Garrigus Takes One Shot Lead to The Weekend in Hawaii

Robert Garrigus went lower than anybody else in the second round to grab a one shot lead at the Hyundai Tournament of Champions.

It was a near perfect round for the winner of the 2010 Children’s Miracle Network Classic.  Garrigus didn’t make a single bogey and finished with a bang posting two birdies and an eagle over his last three holes on Friday to post a 10-under 63 to sit at 14-under.  The eagle came after the 33-year old canned it from the fairway at the Plantation Course’ par-4 16th.

Garrigus now holds a one shot lead over first round co-leader Carl Pettersson and will tee off Saturday as the bookmakers’ favourite at (4-1). 

If he can continue to keep his considerably long ball off the tee in the fairway, Garrigus could stay in the conversation right to Sunday, but keep in mind this is the same guy that threw away a three shot lead on the 72nd hole at the 2010 St. Jude Classic.

Pettersson is the books’ second pick heading to the weekend and he’s really got his game rolling with 36 holes left to play.

The native of Sweden has really figured the mystifying greens at Kapalua and has his irons working this week, which was easily the worst part of his game in 2010.

After a round that had 5 birdies and an eagle, it wouldn’t be ridiculous to feel that Pettersson could be the favourite over the final two rounds.  However, it’s a bit ludicrous to declare any prohibitive favourite at the halfway point with the likes of Byrd, Els and Furyk less than five shots off the lead.

Regardless, he’ll head off at (5-1) today.

Other notables this week.  First round co-leader Jonathan Byrd has shot 66-68 and is just two shots back.  The notoriously volatile Byrd could be a factor if he can keep his emotions in check at this tricky Hawaiian track.  With his game as consistent as ever, it’s no wonder he joins Ernie Els at (7-1).

Els made 9 birdies and not a single bogey to shoot 64 and vault himself into contention and now sits at 10-under par.

Jim Furyk shot his second straight 68 joining Els at 10-under and with the season he had last year he’s the most dangerous player within striking distance.  Somehow, he sits just behind Els at (8-1)

A long shot still worth a look is reigning US Open champion Graeme McDowell who is 7 shots back after round two.  If he can get more tee balls in the fairway, he could make a run on moving day.  Should he get on a roll, he’s got one heck of a clutch putter.  The same flat stick that sank Tiger Woods’ hopes of victory just a month ago.

Resolve never to quit, never to give up, no matter what the situation  - Jack Nicklaus