Steve Stricker leads Ernie Els by 1 shot at Regions Tradition

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Two-time defending champion Steve Stricker birdied the ultimate two holes for a 7-under 65 and a 1-shot lead over Ernie Els on Friday after the second spherical of the Areas Custom, the primary of 5 PGA Tour Champions majors.

Stricker, who has gained three of the previous 4 occasions at Greystone, had 4 birdies and a pair of bogeys over the primary six holes earlier than overtaking Els on the finish. A six-time winner final yr, he is looking for his first this season and bought his want of being within the remaining group for what he predicted “ought to be a enjoyable weekend.”

Stricker stated he is not dwelling on the prospect for a three-peat.

“I take pleasure in it right here. I really feel good going round right here,” he stated. “I am simply making an attempt to, , that outdated cliche of simply taking one shot, one gap at a time form of factor. So proceed that with [Saturday].”

A World Golf Corridor of Famer, Els shot a 68 within the second spherical. He was a part of a six-way tie for first upon Spherical 1’s completion earlier within the day after play was halted due to dangerous climate Thursday.

Els had 4 birdies and nonetheless hasn’t had a bogey over the primary 36 holes to remain up with Stricker.

“Steve Stricker is clearly the king round right here in the meanwhile,” Els stated. “He is gained three or 4 occasions. He is bought the event report so in all probability enjoying with him [Saturday] so I must preserve the tempo up with Steve and try to make him work laborious for this one. He is at all times bought loads of momentum on this course, however a minimum of we’re heading in a very good route.”

Steve Flesch, who had one bogey, moved to 10 below with a birdie on 18 for a 69. He’s a four-time winner on the 50-and-over circuit however hasn’t completed higher than twenty fifth in seven occasions this yr.

“I attempted to be affected person with how the yr has been occurring, however the golf hasn’t been as dangerous as possibly the place I’m on the Schwab Cup record signifies,” stated Flesch, who got here in ranked sixty fifth. “So possibly this might be a pleasant kick begin for me to get my yr going a bit bit, however I am simply I am simply glad I’ve form of performed two first rate rounds and heading into the weekend with an opportunity.”

Charlie Wi and Padraig Harrington have been 9 below. Wi shot a 69, making two bogeys on par-5s however closing on No. 18 along with his fifth birdie of the spherical. The South Korean has two runner-up finishes however no victories in 33 PGA Tour Champions occasions.

Harrington had a extra up-and-down day, overcoming 4 bogeys for a 70.

Kenny Perry (71) and Marco Dawson (70) have been 4 pictures again.