Nick Watney’s career has been one of big shots and roller coaster finishes. His performance Friday at was no exception.
Watney finished the Second Round of The Barclays Tournament in a first-place tie with Sergio Garcia at 8-under-par. But after a run of three birdies on the back nine, Watney bogeyed Nos. 16 and 18.
With a large crowd waiting at the final green at Bethpage Black and Watney still holding a one-stroke lead, he missed a 7-footer on the par-4 hole to drop into a tie. He finished the round at 2-under 69.
“Kind of a live-by-the-sword, die-by-the-sword kind of day,” said Watney, a 31-year-old with four PGA Tour victories. Fast greens demand expert putting.
Watney's eagle on No. 4 was his 11th in PGA Tour playoff events, second-most on the Tour.
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The veteran Garcia, coming off an 18-under victory at the Wyndham Championship last weekend in Greensboro, N.C., is still hot. He finished his round 3-under.
“Obviously we know how much confidence helps in this game,” Garcia said. “But it’s feeling much better out there, feeling more comfortable with what I’m doing, being able to more or less do the right things.”
A big crowd finally turned out in Farmingdale to greet the PGA Tour and they chased the pairing of Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy all afternoon. Despite a stiff lower back, Woods didn’t disappoint, firing a 2-under 69 to stay within striking distance. He’s tied for seventh at 5-under.
“I’m only three back right now, so I’m right there,” said Woods, who bogeyed his first two holes of the day, but shook it off and collected four birdies. “This is a very bunched leaderboard. There are so many guys there.”
The tees off at 7:40 a.m. Saturday as 75 players finished the first two rounds 1-over to advance. One notable who did not make the cut was U.S. Open champion Webb Simpson.
The Barclays Tournament
Top 10:
Bethpage Black:
Third Round: Golfer pairings Saturday
Schedule:
Getting In:
Getting There: l l
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