Webb Simpson’s bid for a 59 ended with a ball in the water guarding the famed island green at 17 on Friday, but his record-equaling 63 gave him a five-shot lead at the Players Championship.
Simpson had tournament officials delving into the history books when he birdied six holes in succession from the 11th through 16th holes at TPC Sawgrass, storming to 17-under par and a seven-shot lead.
However, his tee shot at the par-three 17th hit the wooden bulkhead surrounding the green, soaring high into the air before hitting the surface and rolling into the drink.
Photo: EPA
Simpson played his third shot from the drop zone on his way to a humbling double-bogey five.
It was the only blemish in a course-record-equaling round that included an eagle at the second hole and nine birdies.
Simpson’s 15-under total of 129 equaled the 36-hole tournament record set by Jason Day in 2015 and gave him a five-shot lead over South African Charl Schwartzel (66), New Zealand’s Danny Lee (66) and Patrick Cantlay (68).
“When you’re out there competing in a big tournament, you’re as focused as can be, but then at a certain point, maybe on 13 today, you start just — like a kid, just kind of laughing,” said Simpson, whose run of six straight birdies also matched a tournament record.
There were plenty of marquee names who could not say the same.
Tiger Woods settled for a one-under 71 and then endured an anxious afternoon wait before knowing he had made the cut.
“I just never hit it close enough,” he said. “The course could have been had today. It’s so hot, it’s playing short and the greens are receptive.”
Nevertheless, the 14-time major champion is to play the weekend for the seventh time in eight events he has played this year.
Jordan Spieth (68) and Justin Thomas (70), also squeaked into the weekend, while Rory McIlroy, Hideki Matsuyama, Rickie Fowler and Phil Mickelson all missed out.
Simpson, who has not tasted Tour success since capturing a fourth title in late 2014, will not want reminding that in the four times he has made the Players cut, he has never bettered a third-round 74.
“I’m 15-under through two days here, which is a lot lower than I ever would have expected to be,” he said. “So I’m just looking forward to getting some good dinner and some rest and coming out and enjoying it tomorrow.”
Bayer 04 Leverkusen go into today’s match at TSG 1899 Hoffenheim stung from their first league defeat in 16 months. Leverkusen were beaten 3-2 at home by RB Leipzig before the international break, the first loss since May last year for the reigning league and cup champions. While any defeat, particularly against a likely title rival, would have disappointed coach Xabi Alonso, the way in which it happened would be most concerning. Just as they did in the Supercup against VfB Stuttgart and in the league opener to Borussia Moenchengladbach, Leverkusen scored first, but were pegged back. However, while Leverkusen rallied late to
The lights dimmed and the crowd hushed as Karoline Kristensen entered for her performance. However, this was no ordinary Dutch theater: The temperature was 80°C and the audience naked apart from a towel. Dressed in a swimsuit and to the tune of emotional music, the 21-year-old Kristensen started her routine, performed inside a large sauna, with a bed of hot rocks in the middle. For a week this month, a group of wellness practitioners, called “sauna masters,” are gathering at a picturesque health resort in the Netherlands to compete in this year’s Aufguss world sauna championships. The practice takes its name from a
Japanese players are moving to English soccer in record numbers and more look set to follow with clubs attracted by their quality, strong work ethic and value for money. Kaoru Mitoma is the standout talent of five Japanese players in the English Premier League, with eight more in the Championship and two in League One. Liverpool midfielder Wataru Endo, the captain of Japan, believes his compatriots are “being held in higher esteem” by English clubs compared with the past. “The staff at Liverpool ask me about lots of Japanese players, not necessarily with a view to a transfer, but just saying this or
Roger Federer on Wednesday said that staying involved with tennis in retirement helped him avoid feeling “like an alien” ahead of this week’s Laver Cup in Berlin. Federer, who helped create the tournament, retired at the Laver Cup in London two years ago and has since stayed involved with the competition as an ambassador. “I’m happy I went back right away to some tournaments,” the 43-year-old told reporters. “I feel I ripped the Band-Aid off quite quickly and when I walk around the tennis sites I still feel I belong there,” he said. “I don’t feel like an alien, which is a
RSS