Tommy Fleetwood and Paul Casey shine but Li Haotong has the edge at Harding Park
China’s Li Haotong set the early clubhouse target on day two at Harding Park as Tommy Fleetwood and Paul Casey chased a highly rare English success in the US PGA Championship.
Li, who carded an opening 67 at Harding Park on Thursday, added a flawless 65 on Friday to finish eight under par, three ahead of Fleetwood and Casey as they approached the end of their rounds.
The 25-year-old made a brilliant start to his second round with birdies on the first and second and picked up further shots on the fifth and ninth to race to the turn in 31.
Li, who finished third in the 2017 Open Championship after a closing 63 at
Royal Birkdale, also birdied the 10th and parred his last eight holes to complete a bogey-free display.
Starting from the 10th, Fleetwood covered the back nine in 31 with four birdies and picked up another shot on the first before dropping his first shot of the day on the next.
The world number 13, who finished runner-up to Shane Lowry in last year’s Open Championship, bounced back with a birdie on the fourth to lie five under.
Casey, who had been one off the lead until making a double bogey on the 18th in the first round, also started on the back nine and birdied the 10th and 12th to be out in 33 before picking up another shot on the first.
Jim Barnes is the only Englishman to win the US PGA, but the second of his two victories came more than 100 years ago in 1919.
Overnight joint-leader Jason Day, who won the US PGA in 2015, was among the later starters along with the likes of Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy, world number one Justin Thomas and defending champion Brooks Koepka.
Koepka carded an opening 66 in pursuit of an historic third straight victory in this major.
Walter Hagen won four times in a row from 1924-27 when the tournament was a match play event, but no player has lifted the Wanamaker Trophy three years running since the stroke play era began in 1958.
Woods, who won the event in 2006 and 2007 but was unable to attempt the hat-trick due to injury, shot 68 in the first round to outscore playing partners McIlroy and Thomas, who shot 70 and 71 respectively.
Latest
-
Equipment
Seven things beginners should look for when buying a driver
There is a lot to take in when you are starting out in the game but one major aspect worth focusing on is getting your driver right.
-
Equipment
Which style of putter will help you reduce strokes on the greens?
When choosing your perfect putter, there are three main styles. These different club heads boast varied qualities that will help your game.
-
Equipment
5 golf accessories that will make great stocking fillers this Christmas
Here are a selection of affordable and useful products that are an absolute must-have for any golfer this Christmas.
-
Equipment
Justin Thomas hails new driver that could give him “huge advantage”
Justin Thomas has been tinkering with his driver in the offseason and it’s helped him take the lead at the Hero World Challenge.
-
Equipment
What golf grips do the world’s best players use?
The grip is crucial as it’s our only point of contact with the club. Here we look at the chosen grips of some of the world’s best players.
-
News
Revealed: 5 reasons why a yellow ball could actually improve your golf
Ernie Els has been playing a yellow ball and it seems there are a good reasons why amateur golfers should follow suit.
-
News
Why has World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler changed his putting grip?
Scottie Scheffler’s putting has seen a variety of changes in recent years and this week he has switched to the claw grip.
-
Equipment
The 3 best Wicked green golf balls ranked elite to bargain
Back in the 1980s lime green balls were all the rage and they’re back again to celebrate the release of the new movie of the musical Wicked.
-
Videos
WATCH: Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy talk about hitting “kisser” cut with TaylorMade driver
In this video Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy talk about driving the golf ball while Nelly Korda plays the part of all of us by listening in.
-
Equipment
On a budget? 5 websites to buy quality pre-owned golf clubs
Golf clubs can be expensive but if a new set is out of budget, there are other options to ensure you’re ready for a round on the course.