Kuchar leads the PGA Championship as play is halted (Roundup)

By DB Peters Aug 14, 2010, 2:45 GMT

Sheboygan, Wisconsin - American Matt Kuchar was the overnight leader Friday when poor light halted play on the second day of the PGA Championships at the Whistling Straits course in Kohler, Wisconsin.

After fog in the morning again caused a delay to the start, many players could not finish their second rounds on Friday and the last starters had only played through their third hole when play was stopped.

The nine leading players had, however, completed their rounds and will not have to get off to an early start on Saturday as organizers struggle to complete the tournament on schedule.

Kuchar, who finished Thursday four-under and then added another birdie Friday to close his first round on 67, managed another four birdies in the second round and dropped just one shot to move to an eight-under 136 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.

However, he said the last three holes did not leave a bitter taste. 'Not really. It is such a hard finish, especially in the afternoon. I did not feel I played badly on the last three holes. I am still in there.'

The Briton joined a group of six other players in the club-house who were well-placed on five-under for the tournament.

Among 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.'

As conditions on the course deteriorated as wind came up in the afternoon, players were struggling to hit birdies.

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 was one of many players who could not finish his second round by the end of the day.

Woods played all six holes that he managed to complete on Friday to par to remain on one-under for the tournament.

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.'