Daniel Berger is back, feeling better, he’s gotten past the ailments that hampered him earlier this season and after 36-holes at the Honda Classic — he’s the man to beat.
Berger’s had a nice first two rounds — a pair of 65s and he’s the only player at PGA National in double-digits under par — a nice even minus 10. And that’s good enough for a three-shot lead over his closest competitor — Chris “Captain” Kirk.
Kirk followed up his opening 65 with a 68 on Friday.
Mark Hubbard had a chance to go really low. He played the back nine first, made the turn in three-under par then went on a super run starting at the par-five third. He went eagle-birdie-birdie, went to seven-under with a chance at a really good number. But he struggled coming home and played his final four holes in one-over. Still, he notched a 64 — the day’s low round and got himself to six-under and in contention heading into the weekend.
Two big names who live close by stuck around — Brooks Koepka was in at even par (68-72) and former Honda winner Rickie Fowler made the cut on the number (72-70).
Conditions were benign — little to no wind but with the course drying out — it was still a treacherous track.
Defending champion Matt Jones headed a list of notables missing the cut. He didn’t come close and was seven-over for his two rounds. Last week’s winner, Joaquin Niemann (70-73) had a tough time on day two. Patrick Reed shot a miserable 79 on Friday and went home early as did Henrik Stenson and Tommy Fleetwood.
