Reed holds 3-shot lead midway through Hero World Challenge
Patrick Reed pulled away from the field with his second consecutive 6-under 66 to take a three-shot lead after Round 2 at the Hero World Challenge.
The 29-year-old entered Thursday's round sharing the top spot with Gary Woodland. But thanks to eight birdies - and one bogey on No. 17 - Reed gave himself a large cushion with 36 holes to play.
"Captain America" is trying to remove any doubt as to whether he truly deserved a selection for next week's Presidents Cup from Tiger Woods with a victory in the Bahamas.
Speaking of Tiger, the tournament host rebounded from opening-round 72 with a bogey-free 66 on Day 2. He carded four birdies and an eagle to climb into a tie for fifth at 6-under par.
Here's how the top of the leaderboard stands after Round 2:
| Place | Player | To Par | R2 Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Patrick Reed | -12 | 66 |
| 2 | Gary Woodland | -9 | 69 |
| T3 | Henrik Stenson | -8 | 67 |
| T3 | Jon Rahm | -8 | 66 |
| T5 | Tiger Woods | -6 | 66 |
| T5 | Justin Thomas | -6 | 69 |
| T5 | Rickie Fowler | -6 | 69 |
Woodland clings to sole possession of second place after closing his round with three consecutive birdies. The 2019 U.S. Open champion leaked some oil midway through the back nine but finished strong to remain in the final pairing alongside Reed.
Henrik Stenson and defending champion Jon Rahm - two of six players in the 18-man field who won't be heading to Australia for the Presidents Cup - share third.
After shooting 70 on Thursday, Jordan Spieth shaved five strokes off his first-round score to sit in a tie for 14th at 1-over.