(Image: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports)
The first two rounds of the BMW Championship at Caves Valley Golf Club have almost concluded with Bryson DeChambeau ahead at 16-under currently. He holds a single shot lead over Patrick Cantlay. DeChambeau carded a 68/60 to take the lead during his Friday round, shortly before play was suspended.
Friday's round was first suspended due to inclement weather but resumed shortly afterwards. It was then suspended again, this time due to darkness Players who didn't finish their second rounds will do so Saturday morning.
Due to the reduced number of players in the field this week, there is no cut.
DECHAMBEAU SHOOTS STATEMENT 60 ON FRIDAY
Bryson DeChambeau was on a mission Friday. Starting the day 4-under and in the middle of the pack, he went on to shoot a 60, in a round that included five birdies and two eagles. It was the lowest round of his PGA Tour career.
But a 60 will be slightly disappointing for Bryson. After an impressive second shot at the par 5 16th hole that landed several feet from the hole, he sunk the eagle putt. This set off the 59-watch, need either a birdie on the 17th or 18th to seal the deal. Bryson had birdie putts on both, landing his tee shot on the par 3 17th to about 17 feet and his approach shot on the par 4 18th to about 6 feet. Unfortunately, Bryson missed both of the putts but in his post-round interview, he noted that despite not reaching 59, he was still happy with the round and what he accomplished.
This is a statement round for DeChambeau, in my opinion. I think it validates the process he's been on for the past two years. It was interesting to note all the praise DeChambeau was getting from various golf commentators after his round, when just weeks ago at the WGC Fedex St. Jude Invitational these same people were bashing his approach to the game. While DeChambeau's golf has ranged from both ends of the spectrum, none can deny his entertainment factor. Whether he's on or off, he is always a great player to watch.
With his round of 60, DeChambeau sets a new course record at Caves Valley Golf Club. It is also the 43rd round of 60 in PGA Tour history, the last shot by Cameron Smith last week at The Northern Trust interestingly.
THE ASSAULT ON A STEAMING CAVES VALLEY
The temperatures were sweltering in the high 90s during the opening rounds at Caves Valley Golf Club. The humidity was high both days, which, along with a non-existent wind, led to soft conditions.
Many low scores were had as a result of this. The low round on Thursday was a 64 shot by Jon Rahm, Rory McIlroy and Sam Burns. The low round on Friday, of course, was DeChambeau's 60, followed by a 63 shot by Patrick Cantlay.
During Friday afternoon though, the weather began to worsen, with rain beginning to fall and winds picking up, so much so that a flash flood warning was issued, and round suspended at about 4:30PM. It resumes briefly at 6:30PM, before being suspended again due to darkness.
TOP 30 BUBBLE
As it sits right now, the players around the 30th place cutoff for the Tour Championship next week are: Billy Horshel (T57 at 1-under, 29th), Charley Hoffman (T38 at 4-under, 31st) and Lucas Glover (T10 at 9-under, 32nd). Each will surely be looking to finish strong to stay or get within the Top 30.
Players who made a run to get into the Top 30 so far are Sergio Garcia (T4), who sits at 27th up from 44th at T3 12-under and Hudson Swafford (T6), who sits at 28th from 40th at T5 11-under
HOW ARE OUR PICKS DOING?
Let's check in to see how our picks are doing in the tournament so far:
1) Jon Rahm: T2 at 15-under, 2nd
2) Justin Thomas: T26 at 5-under, 6th
3) Louis Oosthuizen: T60 at E, 13th
The momentum continues for Rahm, who co-held the opening round lead with a 64 on Thursday. Thomas will be disappointed with himself so far, given the opportunity for low scoring the course has been offering so far. For Louis, it looks like he needs a bit of warming up to get back into the swing of things. He's still on track to stay in the Top 30 luckily.
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The weekend is sure to bring excitement and drama, given what's on the line and the potential for changing weather conditions. Be sure to check back to see who has won.
Also, for more up-to-date info, check out our Twitter feed, which we update live during the rounds.
-Nick
Toronto Golf Reviews
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