Day leads WGC-Bridgestone Invitational
World number one Jason Day will take a one-shot lead into the weekend's running at the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational.
Day fired a one-under-par 69 on Friday to move to four under for the tournament, one shot clear of Sweden's David Lingmerth. Overnight leader William McGirt, Emiliano Grillo and Scott Piercy are a further shot back.
The Australian is eyeing his fourth win of the season at the Firestone Country Club in Akron, Ohio, and had his short game to thank for a round that included three birdies and two bogeys.
After playing the first 15 holes in level par, back-to-back birdies at the 16th and 17th saw Day jump ahead, although a closing bogey took some of the shine off his exploits.
In windy conditions, Lingmerth too relied on a solid short game to rise up the leaderboard, with the Swede taking the turn in 31 after four birdies on the opening nine. The 28-year-old could have had a share of the 36-hole lead if it was not for a bogey at 18.
McGirt meanwhile struggled late on Friday, as his three-shot advantage dissipated on the back of bogeys at the 13th and 16th and a double bogey at the last.
World number two Jordan Spieth (71) and former Masters champion Adam Scott (68) are three shots off the pace on one under where they are joined by Justin Thomas (69) and Kevin Kisner (70).
Latest
-
NewsAny rest for Rory and will practice make US perfect? – Ryder Cup talking points
The United States will be hoping to make the most of home advantage at Whistling Straits.
-
NewsNew-look USA aiming to reclaim Ryder Cup against experienced-packed Europe
Europe are the holders and have won seven of the last nine Ryder Cups, but United States boast eight of the world’s top 10 players and home advantage.
-
NewsA statistical look at the Ryder Cup as Europe seek to continue recent dominance
Europe have won seven of the last nine Ryder Cups but USA have claimed victory in 26 of the 42 editions overall, with two ties.
-
NewsNiall Kearney shoots seven-under 65 to take early lead at Dutch Open
Denmark’s Martin Simonsen and Germany’s Maximilian Kieffer sit in second.
-
NewsHenrik Stenson named as Team Europe’s fifth vice-captain for Ryder Cup
The former Open champion joins fellow Swede Robert Karlsson, Luke Donald, Martin Kaymer and Graeme McDowell in Padraig Harrington’s backroom staff.
-
NewsNo bias with Shane Lowry Ryder Cup selection, says Padraig Harrington
The European captain insists his friendship with his fellow Irishman did Lowry no favours.
-
NewsPadraig Harrington admits picking his Ryder Cup wild cards was a tough task
Justin Rose missed out as Sergio Garcia, Ian Poulter and Shane Lowry were selected.
-
NewsPadraig Harrington admits leaving out Justin Rose was ‘incredibly difficult’
Rose eagled the 18th at Wentworth in a final round of 65 to finish in a tie for sixth, but that was not enough.
-
NewsRyder Cup setback fired up Wentworth winner Billy Horschel
The American was victorious in the BMW PGA Championship.
-
NewsBilly Horschel emulates Arnold Palmer as American winner of BMW PGA Championship
Seven-time major winner Palmer claimed the title at Royal St George’s in 1975.