Sergio Garcia one-putted the final 11 holes and made birdies on his last seven holes Friday in the PGA‘s Bridgestone Invitational to tie the course record at Firestone with a 9-under-61 and take a three-shot lead in Akron, Ohio.
Garcia had a birdie putt on every hole on the back nine, missing only a 15-footer from the fringe at No. 11. Garcia shot a 27 on the back nine, a course record.
Garcia was at 11-under 129, three shots in front of Justin Rose, who shot a second round 3-under par 67.
Madison’s Steve Stricker struggled again on day 2. He followed up Thursday’s 4-over par 74 with a 3-over par 73 and is 7-over through the first two rounds. There are no cuts, so Stricker will play out the weekend and then head to the PGA Championship next week.
The third round is already underway this morning. They’re getting an early start because of rain in the forecast for later in the day.