July 27 (Reuters) – Americans Scott Piercy and William
McGirt held a one-shot lead after Friday’s second round of the
Canadian Open while Ernie Els missed the cut five days after
winning the British Open.
Piercy, who shot a course-record 62 in the opening round at
the Hamilton Golf and Country Club, returned a three-under-par
67 for an 11-under 129 while McGirt joined the overnight leader
with a four-under 66.
The duo were one shot clear of American Robert Garrigus
(66), who is alone in third at 130 while compatriot Bo Van Pelt
(66) was a further shot back.
““It’s kind of a boring 67 to be honest,” said Piercy.
“There was not a lot of excitement like yesterday. I made a putt
or two for birdie, made a couple of nice par saves.
““I wasn’t really in a whole lot of trouble most of the day
and it was solid overall.”
Former world number one and 2004 Canadian Open champion
Vijay Singh, who started on the back nine, bogeyed two of his
first four holes and made five consecutive birdies from the
par-four third, his 12th, for a three-under 67 that left him
three shots back of the leaders.
South African Tim Clark (62), who equalled the course record
set by Piercy on Thursday, and American Josh Teater (65) were
tied with Singh in fifth place.
Clark, who started the day eight shots off the pace, was
flawless as he carded six birdies and holed out for an eagle on
the par-four second.
Piercy looked set to go low again when he claimed
back-to-back birdies on the fourth and fifth holes but a bogey
on the eighth and some regulation pars kept him in check.
Continued…
