WASHINGTON: World number two Jordan Spieth fired a four-under-par 66 Friday to stand second in the clubhouse at the storm-hit US PGA Dean and Deluca Invitational.
The reigning US Open champion, who defends that title next month at Oakmont, waited out bad weather that delayed the start of the second round at Colonial for 5 1/2 hours.
“Really made the most of the round,” said Spieth, a back-nine starter who birdied four of the first five holes after making the turn.”All in all, it was a fantastic (second) nine that we played.”
American Webb Simpson fired a 67 to cling to the clubhouse lead at 8-under 132 with Spieth one shot adrift.
“It’s only halfway done,” Simpson said. “I’ve got a lot of work to do.” Darkness halted play with 61 of 121 players still on the course and needing to finish their second rounds Saturday morning.
American Bryce Molder birdied five of the first eight holes but a double-bogey at the 12th hole left him on nine-under, only one ahead of Simpson with four holes to finish.
Patrick Reed was level with Spieth at 7-under through eight holes, moving up with birdies at the first and fifth, while India’s Anirban Lahiri was on 6-under after 11 holes.
Spieth has been trying to work his game into shape since a back-nine Sunday meltdown last month cost him a Masters title and he missed the cut earlier this month at the Players Championship.
