Kuchar leads by PGA Championship by two (1st Lead)

By DB Peters Aug 14, 2010, 0:42 GMT

Sheboygan, Wisconsin - American Matt Kuchar was the early leader Friday during the second round of the PGA Championships at the Whistling Straits course in Kohler, Wisconsin.

Kuchar finished Thursday four-under, but had to finish his round and hit another birdie to close on 68. He then managed another four birdies and dropped just one shot to move to eight-under for the tournament.

Sitting a shot behind the leader was Nick Watney, who carded a four-under 68 to add to the 69 he played in the first round and finish on seven-under.

Simon Khan, who had an eagle on the par four sixth hole and at one stage shared the lead, dropped three shots on the last three holes to fall back to five-under and join a group of six other players in the club-house who were well-placed on five-under for the tournament.

Amongst them was Jason Dufner, who had the best round of the day at the half-way stage having played a six-under 66.

The American, who was one-over for the first round during which he played six bogeys, but also five birdies, said that he simply played more consistent.

'Six bogeys is a lot of bogeys on this golf course. But I was a little bit confident going in because I did get some birdies yesterday, so I knew there were some birdies out there.

'I did not play the holes into the wind quite as well yesterday as I did today. I felt pretty good going in because I had made five birdies.

'I actually drove it really well in the first round and I thought that if I could manage the holes into the wind I could put a good score up.'

Fog on the course again caused a lengthy delay for the early starters and after play had started, conditions at the course deteriorated as wind came up.

Kuchar said it had not been an easy day. 'It played tough today. It was a lot windier and I thought conditions were tough today and I went three under, so I was very pleased with it.

'It was a very long morning, it was not much fun having to get up at 4.30 and make my way out here only to wait, but now that I am done I am glad to be done.

'I feel good and I feel confident about my game, I put in some hard work and I studied and prepared and I am in pretty good form. I feel this is by far my best year-ever and I hope to cap it off in a big way.

'This is a test I am looking forward to. It is exciting to be in a position to possibly win a major. I am really looking forward to the opportunity and it has some great potential and possibilities.'

Tiger Woods, who came into the tournament off a disastrous 18-over and second-last place in the Bridgestone Invitational last weekend, started the day on a one-under 71, but will not complete his second round by the end of the day.

Phil Mickelson, who could take over the number one ranking from Woods if he wins the PGA Championship or finishes in the top four well ahead of Woods, finished the day on a 69 to move to two- under for the tournament.

Mickelson said that he believed he was still in with a chance. 'I would like to be higher up, I would like to be eight or nine under par, I wanted to take off and run but that has not happened.

'But I am within striking distance. I feel I can go out and shoot five, six or seven under par and get right back in it. There are some mid-60 rounds out there and if I can get one I am in with a shot.'