Matt Fitzpatrick ended day two of the RBC Heritage with a one-shot lead after carding an eight-under-par 63.
The Englishman made eight birdies, including sinking a 36-foot putt on hole 15, in a bogey-free second round at Hilton Head.
“Yeah, it was lucky, there’s no two ways about it,” Fitzpatrick said. “Sometimes you need that in a week, so it’s nice to get, and then even nicer to take advantage of it.”
Fitzpatrick – the 2022 US Open champion – began Friday in a six-way tie for third following an opening round of 65.
“I wouldn’t say I striped it today, but at least I kind of kept the ball in front of me, and that’s what you’re trying to do on this golf course,” Hovland said.
The 31-year-old tops the leaderboard on 14 under par at the halfway stage, with Norway’s Viktor Hovland one stroke behind after retaining second spot with a second-round score of 65.
Overnight leader Ludvig Aberg dropped to joint fourth position following three bogeys on the back nine.
Scotland’s Robert MacIntyre ended the day six shots behind Fitzpatrick after posting a 68, while world number one Scottie Scheffler carded a 67 and is seven shots off the pace.
PA
