SPORTS
South African Retief Goosen moved a step closer to his first PGA Tour victory of the year by grabbing a one-shot lead in the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational second round on Friday.
South African Retief Goosen moved a step closer to his first PGA Tour victory of the year by grabbing a one-shot lead in the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational second round on Friday.
While world number one and holder Tiger Woods again struggled with his driving, Goosen was in good form off the tee and with his putter as he fired a four-under-par 66 in rain-softened, overcast conditions at Firestone Country Club.
The smooth-swinging South African recorded six birdies and two bogeys for a seven-under total of 133, finishing one ahead of Americans Phil Mickelson (68) and Justin Leonard (66).
Mickelson, who could replace Woods as world number one after this week, recovered from a double-bogey at the 14th with two birdies in the last four holes to remain in contention.
"I'm happy with the round," the 41-year-old Goosen said after totalling 26 putts and missing only three fairways off the tee.
"I've not done so well around this course in the past, so it's nice to play well for two rounds and see how I can do on the weekend."
First-round leader Bubba Watson of the U.S. carded a 71 to lie two strokes off the pace at five under, level with compatriot Bo Van Pelt (68) and Swede Peter Hanson (66).
Australian Adam Scott (70), Spaniard Miguel Angel Jimenez (67) and Britain's Paul Casey (68) were among a group of six bunched at four under.
Record victory
Woods, champion here last year and seeking a record eighth victory at Firestone, hit only three of 14 fairways on the way to a 72 that left him a distant 13 shots off the pace.
The 14-times major winner, who has not triumphed on the PGA Tour since last year's BMW Championship, left the course without speaking to reporters after he had signed his card.
Goosen, in an upbeat mood after flourishing on the tight, tree-lined layout, said his sole regret was a bogey five at the last where he followed a perfect drive with a poor approach.
"I just had an eight-iron to the green and pulled it, then hit a poor chip and a good putt that didn't go in," the double US Open winner added.
"Every part of your game needs to be good here, driving especially. You need to hit it on the fairway, otherwise you're struggling. The difference is I'm putting pretty well and today I drove it a bit better."
Goosen has not won on the PGA Tour since last year's Tampa Bay Championship but has produced good form this season with seven top-10s in 13 starts.
"I've been playing quite consistent... I've just not been winning," he said. "It's that No. 1 that counts. This would be a great event to get my first win for the year."
Elon Musk applauds India's decision: Spectrum allocation favors open access and innovation
BIG UPDATE on IPL auction, Saudi Arabia to host event, will take place on...
Two Bahraich violence accused shot by police in encounter while fleeing to Nepal; 5 held
'I won’t be returning': South African legend bids farewell to Sunrisers Hyderabad ahead of IPL 2025
Indian stargazers spot rare, ancient comet after 80,000 years, see breathtaking pics
'46 all-out new 36 all-out?': Cricket Australia trolls India after batting collapse vs New Zealand
Karwa Chauth 2024: Know the date, timings, history and significance
Mukesh Ambani's Jio superhit 5G plan, offers 90 days validity with unlimited data
IND vs NZ: Virat Kohli equals THIS unwanted record with 9-ball duck against New Zealand in 1st Test
Proba-3: ISRO to launch ESA Solar Eclipse Mission with precision satellites
'Law not blind': Supreme court makes 2 BIG CHANGES, unveils new justice lady and replaced…
J-K: Several CRPF Jawans injured in road accident in Budgam, probe underway
Who is Justice Sanjiv Khanna named CJI Chandrachud's successor, could become next Chief Justice?
Mukesh Ambani's BIG move: Reliance investors to get this DIWALI bonanza, know details here
'Ravan ko kisne maara?' This kid's hilarious answer will leave your in splits, WATCH viral video
Nayab Singh Saini takes oath as Haryana CM in presence of PM Modi, BJP brass
IND vs NZ: India all out for 46 runs, lowest test score at home
Hunter's Moon 2024: NASA drops first glimpse of brightest Supermoon, shares its significance
Meet man, IIT graduate who worked for Indian Railways, then went on to join Elon Musk's...
IND vs NZ: Devon Conway takes one hand blunder, gets Sarfaraz Khan on duck, watch video here
IND vs NZ test: Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma fail to impress, India 3 wickets down in first 10 overs
Nita Ambani, Isha Ambani have 'great skin and features' reveals celebrity makeup artist
CJI Chandrachud decides on his successor, nominates…
Delhi Police initiates probe in 7 hoax threats to flights, registers FIR
Meet Nikita Porwal, Aishwarya Rai's fan, Miss India 2024 winner who works as...
Phone call paved way to long-lasting friendship between Ratan Tata, Amrish Puri, know how
IND vs NZ TEST TOSS UPDATE: India wins toss, to bat, check playing 11
MEA makes big statement, holds PM Trudeau 'solely responsible' for damage to India-Canada relations
'Many are mistreated...': When Ratan Tata opened up about his personal journey behind cancer care
Noida DM mired in controversy, being investigated for alleged scam worth Rs…
Bigg Boss 18: Netizens call Vivian Dsena 'rude, egoistic', Chahat Pandey 'sensible' after she...
'Crucial that we act together...': Congress breaks silence on India-Canada diplomatic row
When Radhika Merchant borrowed sister-in-law Isha Ambani's earrings, shared major family goals
Valmiki Jayanti 2024: Know date, timings, history, and significance
Liam Payne, One Direction’s former member, passes way at 31 after falling from balcony
Bihar man gets bitten by snake, goes to hospital with reptile, watch viral video
Ajmer-Jaipur-Delhi travel time to reduce soon, NHAI unveils Rs 200 crore project; details inside
Nayab Saini to take oath as Haryana CM today; PM Modi to attend event
Valmiki Jayanti 2024: Are banks closed or open today? Check here
Bigg Boss 18: Vivian Dsena fights with Rajat Dalal over food, says 'koi nahi rok paaega mujhe'
DNA TV Show: Foreign Minister S Jaishankar delivers strong message to Pakistan at SCO Summit
Meet Yasmin Joseph discovered by Raj Kapoor, very bold scenes made her famous, her screen name is…
Uttarakhand: CEC Rajiv Kumar stranded in Pithoragarh village, rescue operation continues
Bomb hoax threats to airlines: Police detain class 11 student from Chhattisgarh
PAK vs ENG: Ben Duckett scripts history, surpasses Adam Gilchrist, Virender Sehwag to become....
Bengaluru rains: 'Manyata Tech waterfalls,' internet mocks city’s infra amid heavy rainfall
'If you delay more then...': Mithali Raj wants India to move on from Harmanpreet Kaur as captain
Waman Hari Pethe Jewellers announces Bollywood star Sharvari as their brand ambassador
Exploring the Future of 316LVM Stainless Steel in India’s Emerging Tech Sectors
How Construction Management Software Can Improve Project Scheduling
'Apne pariwar walon ki arthi uthaoge': Salman Khan threatens Lawrence Bishnoi in viral video?
Who is Surender Choudhary, and why J-K CM Omar Abdullah picked him as his Deputy?
This company secures Rs 8668700000 contract to build India’s first bullet train, it is owned by…
MS Dhoni keeps CSK on edge as retention deadline looms, yet to confirm participation in IPL 2025
Zoya Akhtar, Reema Kagti back documentary film Turtle Walker set to premiere at Doc NYC
Viral video: Sibling dancing to Shah Rukh Khan’s 'Chaleya' at wedding is unmissable, watch