A day after PGA National achieved record scores thanks to picture-perfect conditions, winds picked up at the Cognizant Classic, causing all sorts of problems for the field.
Players are battling wind gusts of 20 to 25 miles per hour. It’s not uncommon in South Florida, but it’s still difficult.
Especially since water lurks on every hole, a well-hit shot can hit a gust of wind and end up in the penalty area.
It’s no wonder Friday’s average score is nearly three strokes higher than Thursday’s opening round average.
“[Friday] Definitely played in a little more wind. [Thursday] said Kevin Yu, who played rounds of 66 and 67 on the par-71 layout.
Yu is at 9 under par midway through the championship.
“Today was a tough match,” added Tom Kim, who shot 3-under 68 in the first two rounds.
“Obviously, this course is very punishing. When the wind is blowing like this, you have to play really solid.”
There are many pins near the water surface, such as the 5th par 3 and the 15th par 3.
The fifth cup is located on the left side adjacent to the water, so the player must bail out to the right side. During the second round on Friday, he recorded 19 bogeys and two double bogeys, ranking it as the fifth most difficult hole.
Meanwhile, No. 15 is currently the toughest hole in the tournament, sitting 0.44 shots above par. There have been only nine birdies so far in the second round, but 38 players have recorded bogey or worse. The hole is 180 yards long and ranks among the most difficult holes, a very rare feat.
But the 15th also marks the beginning of PGA National’s three-hole stretch known as the “Bear Trap,” where water lurks everywhere and the round quickly drifts south.
“I think you have to be mentally sharp. You have to be able to fully commit to what you’re trying to do,” Kim added.
“There are going to be moments where it feels like a gust of wind and moments where it’s not. I think the big thing for me was being able to commit to my process and make it happen.”
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Friday’s conditions will test the mentality of many players. Even if you hit a good shot, you will often be hit by a gust of wind that comes out of nowhere.
Many golfers will probably be upset, but unfortunately, it’s all out of their control.
Still, some players, like Rickie Fowler, welcome the situation.
“The wind feels good, and sometimes you can use that to your advantage,” Fowler said.
“It makes the course more difficult. It’s rare to see this place without much wind. [Thursday] I know we weren’t playing in the morning, but it was very calm. [Thursday] It was still possible to score in the afternoon. This is probably a little above average today. ”
If players can control the flight of the ball in these situations, they can gain an advantage in other parts of the field. While many players stumble, those players can move up the leaderboard even faster.
That’s what happened to Fowler, who shot a 4-under 67 on Friday and moved up nearly 64 spots on the leaderboard.
“I’m definitely happy with this round. I left some things out there,” Fowler said of his play. “But I’m looking forward to putting in a little bit of work and getting my swing a little bit better this weekend.”
Jack Mirko is a golf staff writer for SB Nation’s Playing Through.Be sure to check it out @_PlayingThrough Cover more golf. You can follow him on Twitter @jack_milko In the same way.
