Mahan grabs Congressional lead

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June 30, 2012

Hunter Mahan carded a six-under-par 65 to move to the top of the leaderboard after two rounds at the AT&T National.

American Hunter Mahan carded a six-under-par 65 to move to the top of the leaderboard after two rounds at the AT&T National.

In a round containing seven birdies, Mahan only bogeyed once to move two shots clear of Zimbabwe’s Brendon de Jonge and fellow Americans Jimmy Walker and Robert Garrigus.

Once shot further back on four under par is a group of five players which includes former world number one Vijay Singh and Stewart Cink. The 14-time Major champion Tiger Woods produced a much improved round – carding 68 – to move to two under alongside overnight leader Bo van Pelt.

In blistering heat, Mahan believes mastering the conditions is the key to success on the tough Congressional course.

“When the conditions and the weather comes into play, it’s a whole other factor,” Mahan told www.pgatour.com.

“I’ve got to stay mentally tough. Once your mind goes, the body is going to go with it. It’s very important to be mentally strong.

“We’ve got two more days of this, so it’s going to be important to take care of yourself every night and every day when you’re out on the golf course, or it’s going to cost you shots.”

Woods sunk a monster 48-foot putt to eagle the long 16th to move into a tie for 11th place at the half way stage.

“It’s just one of those days where you just stay patient,” Woods commented to www.pgatour.com.

“You shoot something in the 60s, and I think that would have been a good score. I thought it was a very good score. I’m right there.”

Van Pelt’s round of 73 included six bogeys, while Scot Martin Laird shot a good 69 to finish on one under par. Defending champion Nick Watney was one shot further back, while Englishman Greg Owen just made the cut on three over.

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