Choi matches course record to snatch lead

South Korean K.J. Choi matched a course-record with a six-under par 64 on Friday to seize a two-stroke lead after the second round of the $6.2mn US PGA National. Choi, who won the event in 2007 when it was played at Congressional Country Club near Washington, dominated the Aronimink Golf Club with seven birdies against a lone bogey to stand on seven-under 133 after 36 holes. “As I kept making birdies, I noticed that the reactions of the gallery, the people were very positive, and I started feeling that this was going to be a special round,” Choi said. “I’m very happy. This course is very difficult. The iron shots are very hard and it’s very tough over the greens to make par. Today was more concentration, iron play and good reads. That’s why the good scoring.” Choi’s countryman Charlie Wi and Americans Justin Leonard, Chris Riley and Bo Van Pelt shared second on 135. Americans Kyle Stanley, Jeff Overton, Bryce Molder and Charles Howell shared sixth on 136. Choi, who began on the back nine, took a bogey at the 11th after finding deep rough off the tee, but answered with birdies at the par-4 15th and par-5 16th. Choi began a run of four birdies in a row at the fourth hole and finished with another at the par-5 ninth thanks to a wedge shot that landed inches from the cup. “The first four or five holes I still felt my body was a little bit slow today, but going into probably the 12th hole I felt that I was getting my rhythm back,” Choi said. “With regards to the putter, I think my putter felt good starting from the first hole. I had a trust within myself that I’d be able to play a better front nine, and I was able to make five birdies. So I think that was the key.” Coming off a victory in the Players Championship in May that was his first US PGA triumph in more than three years, Choi is seeking his ninth US tour crown overall. With $2.996mn in prize money this season, Choi ranks fourth on the US PGA money list. That comes despite some fatigue after a hectic schedule following the Players, including the Byron Nelson, Memorial and US Open with a trip to South Korea mixed within. “It was just fatigue from traveling to Korea and back, and then with the consecutive tournaments,” Choi said.