Exceptional Kraft work fires American into Greenbrier lead
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[July 07, 2018]
(Reuters) - Kelly Kraft shot a
career-best 63 on Friday to take a one-stroke lead into the weekend
at The Greenbrier as the 29-year-old American moved into position to
claim a maiden PGA Tour title.
Kraft followed up his opening 64 with eight birdies at the par-70
Old White TPC in White Sulphur Springs for a 13-under par 127 total
after 36 holes.
India's Anirban Lahiri, meanwhile, signed for a career-best 61 and
overnight leader Webb Simpson a 67 to share second place, one stroke
off the pace on a warm day in West Virginia that made for excellent
scoring conditions.
Jason Kokrak is a further shot adrift in fourth place after shooting
64, while Korea's Whee Kim and Harold Varner III were tied for fifth
on 10-under par.
Kraft has been on the tour for three years and has never led a
tournament after 36 holes, but credited his improved play to an
attitude adjustment he made after failing to make the cut at the
Quicken Loans National last week.
"I've changed my attitude a little bit starting with last week," he
told the Golf Channel.
"I felt like I played good last week but a couple of breaks here and
there and you miss the cut. It's easy to do," he said.
"But I've changed a couple things about my attitude and I'm ready to
keep playing good. I'm just looking for two more low ones and a
bunch of scoring opportunities."
Kraft's only blemish was a bogey on the par-five 12th, the same hole
where Simpson suffered a double-bogey earlier in the day, but he
rebounded with birdies on 13, 14 and 16 to take the outright lead.
LOOKING AHEAD
Bubba Watson, who at number 12 is the highest-ranked player in the
field, followed his disappointing opening round 68 with a second
round 66 on Friday to sit tied for 24th with eight other players on
six-under par.
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Kelly Kraft on the 16th tee during the second round of A Military
Tribute at The Greenbrier golf
tournament at The Old White TPC. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA
TODAY Sports
Watson, who 11 days ago collected a PGA Tour-leading third win of
the season, said he was not content to rest on his laurels.
"That's in the past," he said when asked about his recent success.
"I couldn't care less what happened earlier in the year. We're
trying to win a trophy this week and whoever gets a trophy this week
is trying to get a trophy next week.
"You're always looking forward."
Watson, who was visibly frustrated on Thursday, said he adopted a
better attitude on Friday thanks to a pep talk.
"My wife had a talking to me last night and said my attitude was
terrible so I had to change it," the 39-year-old said.
"The last two holes I got frustrated just because I thought I hit
some good putts and didn't make anything. All in all, it's a good
two days and I still have a chance to fight and compete and try to
win."
(Reporting by Rory Carroll; Editing by John O'Brien)
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