Xander Schauffele birdied three of his final five holes to match the lowest 36-hole score in major championship history and take a one-shot lead in the PGA Championship
Schauffele’s 10-under 130 total at Southern Hills is the lowest score relative to par after 36 holes in PGA Championship history.
Schauffele, who has never won a major, is seeking his first PGA Tour title since the 2019 Sentry Tournament of Champions. He is one stroke ahead of Will Zalatoris, who shot a 67 on Friday, and two shots ahead of Rory McIlroy, who shot a 68.
Schauffele’s round was highlighted by a 30-foot birdie putt on the 18th hole. He also birdied the 14th, 15th, and 17th holes.
Schauffele said he was pleased with his putting on Friday, which he attributed to a change he made to his grip.
I changed my putting grip a little bit, just to get a little bit more feel, Schauffele said. I feel like I’m rolling it a little bit better. I’m seeing the line a little bit better. So that’s been a big positive.
Schauffele will be paired with Zalatoris in the final group on Saturday. He said he is looking forward to the challenge.
Will’s a great player, Schauffele said. He’s been playing really well. So it’s going to be a fun battle tomorrow.
Zalatoris, who is also seeking his first major title, is one of the hottest players on the PGA Tour. He has finished in the top 10 in three of his last four starts, including a runner-up finish at the Masters.
Zalatoris said he is confident in his game heading into the weekend.
I’m driving the ball well, I’m hitting my irons well, and I’m putting well, Zalatoris said. So I’m feeling good about my game. I just need to go out there and execute tomorrow.
McIlroy, who is a four-time major champion, is also in contention heading into the weekend. He said he is pleased with his position but knows he needs to play well on the weekend to win.
I’m in a good spot, McIlroy said. I’m only two shots back. I just need to go out there and play well on the weekend. I know I can do it. I just need to go out there and execute.
Kind regards E. Thompson.
