Adam Scott shot a stunning nine-under 63 to storm into a three-stroke lead over Keegan Bradley after round two of the BMW Championship at Castle Pines.
The 44-year-old Australian, seeking his first tour win since February 2020, emerged as an unlikely leader in the FedEx Cup play-offs after a superb second round left him in pole position ahead of the field on 13-under-par.
The 2013 Masters champion hit four birdies on the front nine before catching a second wind starting at the 12th, hole where he rolled in the first of three consecutive birdies, before ending his round with birdies on the 16th and 17th.
Scott is three shots ahead of first-round leader Bradley, who came one hole short of successive bogey-free rounds as he carded a second-round 68, and four clear of Ludvig Aberg.
The 24-year-old Swede hit eight birdies, a bogey and an eagle as he followed in Scott’s footsteps to register a nine-under round of 63 that propelled him into third place.
Adam Scott established a three-shot lead on Day 2 of the BMW Championship
Aberg’s compatriot Alex Noren occupies fourth on eight-under, with Canada’s Taylor Pendrith in fifth on seven-under, after rounds of 68 and 65 respectively.
Patrick Cantlay (-5), Collin Morikawa (-4) and Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy (-3) are among the names lurking outside the top five.
Xander Schauffele struggled to a one-over 73 on Friday to fall to two-under, while Scottie Scheffler shot an even-par 72 to stand at one-under through two rounds.
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Rory McIlroy showed his frustration at the BMW Championship after his tee shot on the 17th found the rough which resulted in him throwing his club in the water!
Matsuyama forced to withdraw injured
Earlier on Friday, Hideki Matsuyama withdrew with a lower back injury just a day after he shot an opening-round 67 to sit one shot off the lead.
The tour announced Matsuyama’s withdrawal shortly before his morning tee time and later released a statement from the 32-year-old Japanese player, who is ranked No. 6 in the world.
“I am disappointed to have to withdraw from the BMW Championship after experiencing lower back discomfort while warming up this morning, which made it impossible to play,” he said.
“Thank you to BMW and the Western Golf Association for a great experience here at Castle Pines.”
Matsuyama won the PGA Tour’s play-off opener last week in Memphis. At No. 3 in the FedEx Cup standings, he is assured of having a strong position for next week’s staggered start at the Tour Championship, where the winner will receive a $25 million bonus.
The former Masters champion has 10 PGA Tour victories, including two this season.
How can I watch the FedExCup Playoffs?
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Here is how to use Sky Sports+, which gives Sky Sports customers access to over 50 per cent more live sport this year at no extra cost
Every event is live on Sky Sports, with early coverage from the BMW Championship starting on Sky Sports +. The action picks up on Sky Sports Golf at 7pm, following the conclusion of the AIG Women’s Open on Friday.
There will also be coverage on Sky Sports+ for every round, with a variety of feeds able to enjoy, with coverage starting at 7pm for every round on Sky Sports Golf.
Sky Sports+ has officially launched and will be integrated into Sky TV, streaming service NOW and the Sky Sports app, giving Sky Sports customers access to over 50 per cent more live sport this year at no extra cost. Find out more here.