Matt Jones claimed the outright lead of the PGA Championship after concluding his second round early Saturday while there was to be no miracle turnaround for Tiger Woods who missed the cut at a major once again.
Jones was tied for the lead at nine-under-par with fellow Australian Jason Day when Friday’s play was halted due to an approaching thunderstorm at the Whistling Straits course in Kohler, Wisconsin.
But Jones seized the initiative as play resumed Saturday morning sinking two birdies, including one from 50-feet on 8, to stretch to 11-under-par and ensure he would lead a major for the first time in his career.
His best ever finish at a major was a tie for 30th position at this year’s Open Championship in Saint Andrews, Scotland.
“I’ve been in the lead on a tour event, but a major’s a different story,” Jones later told reporters. “But I’m going to have fun with it, and I’m pretty relaxed on the golf course.”
Day had earlier moved to 10-under-par but a bogey at the last ensured Jones would have a two shot lead to defend when the third round gets underway later Saturday.
England’s Justin Rose completed a five-under par round of 67 to move into third place ahead of a group on seven-under-par which includes Sweden’s David Lingmerth.
Jordan Spieth is one shot back at six-under and still in contention to claim his third major this year, a feat that would see him join Tiger Woods and Ben Hogan as the only men to do so.
Tiger leaves early again
Woods himself must be wondering if he will ever reclaim the form that saw him claim 14 major titles.
He completed the final five holes of his second round Saturday to finish four-over for the tournament, missing the cut by two shots. Woods has now failed to make the weekend at the last three majors.
“It’s frustrating to miss any cuts because any time you miss a cut, you don’t have a chance to win the event,” Woods told reporters.
Woods at times did show improvement on his performances at major events the US Open and the Open Championship earlier in the year – a fact he alluded to in his reflections.
“I hit it good enough (this week) to be where I needed to be, but I putted awful,” Woods said.
“I finally figured something out today on the putting green, but the damage had already been done. Finally rolled the ball coming in, and unfortunately it was a too little too late.”
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