PALM HARBOR, Fla. (AP) — Sungjae Im maintained his top position during a windy Friday session at the Valspar Championship, making a strong comeback on the latter half of the course to surpass David Lipsky amidst the challenging, quick-playing conditions of Innisbrook’s Copperhead course.
Following consecutive missed cuts after his return from a wrist ailment, Im recorded a 2-under 69, reaching a total of 9-under 133, which placed him a single stroke ahead of Lipsky. The previous day, Thursday, Im achieved two eagles en route to a 64, giving him a one-shot lead over Brandt Snedeker.
“The primary objective, indeed, the most crucial aspect, is ensuring my tee shots land squarely on the fairways,” stated the 27-year-old golfer from South Korea, via an interpreter. “Achieving this will create favorable opportunities for me. The course itself presents numerous hazards.”
During Friday’s play, Im recorded three bogeys and two birdies over the first nine holes, finishing with a 37, before making birdies on the par-5 11th and par-4 12th. He then secured sole possession of the lead by sinking a 7-foot birdie putt on the par-3 17th.
“My intention is to maintain intense concentration and patience, recognizing the opportunity I have this weekend,” Im commented. “I anticipate stronger winds and increasingly firm greens for the weekend rounds.”
Im’s career includes two wins on the PGA Tour, specifically the 2020 Honda Classic and the 2021 Shriners Children’s Open.
Lipsky posted a score of 65, having started his round early with the initial group from the first tee. Despite not yet securing a PGA Tour victory, he achieved birdies on the opening two holes and four out of the initial six, followed by two more on the 10th and 11th, then parred the concluding seven holes.
“It was an outstanding performance. I executed everything effectively,” Lipsky remarked. “My misses were strategic, and I converted putts early to build momentum. The closing holes are notoriously challenging, so I was pleased to salvage pars on 16 and 18, which truly sustained the quality of my round.”
Chandler Blanchet and Doug Ghim both stood at 7 under par. Blanchet concluded his round with a bogey, resulting in a 66. Ghim finished with a 67, achieving an eagle on the par-5 11th, but subsequently lost those gains by recording bogeys on the 15th and 16th holes.
“Naturally, I would have preferred a stronger finish,” Ghim stated. “However, a couple of less-than-ideal holes don’t entirely diminish an otherwise strong day.”
Snedeker posted a 72, which lowered his standing to 5 under par. The 45-year-old captain for the U.S. Presidents Cup team participated via a sponsor’s invitation.
“The positive aspect is that the course was exceptionally challenging and intricate this afternoon,” Snedeker commented. “I’m attempting to draw a positive from that. I persevered even when circumstances were unfavorable.”
Jordan Smith, with a round of 68, also reached 5 under, alongside Matt Fitzpatrick (69), Marco Penge (68), and Alex Smalley (69).
“Undoubtedly, my ball-striking was superior yesterday, and my putting improved today,” Spieth remarked. “The goal is to combine both elements effectively for the weekend rounds.”
Fitzpatrick had secured a second-place finish in The Players Championship the previous week.
Brooks Koepka shared the 10th position at 4 under following a round of 67 in his comeback appearance at Innisbrook. He narrowly missed a 3-foot birdie attempt on his concluding hole.
“I simply intend to maintain my current approach,” Koepka stated. “My play is strong, and I’m pleased with how I’m hitting the ball.”
Jordan Spieth, who posted a 70 and was a contender after the first round, played 2 over par on the initial nine holes before recuperating his second round with a 3 under performance on the back nine. He currently trails Koepka by one stroke and Im by six strokes, heading into the pivotal “Moving Day.”
The reigning champion, Viktor Hovland, did not make the cut, having recorded scores of 70 and 75.
