Adam Scott shot a brilliant nine-under 63 to take a three-stroke lead over Keegan Bradley after the second round of the BMW Championship at Castle Pines.
The 44-year-old Australian, seeking his first tour win since February 2020, emerged as an unexpected leader in the FedEx Cup playoffs when he led the field at 13 under-par after a stellar second round.
The 2013 Masters champion made nine birdies in his bogey-free round to finish three shots ahead of first-round leader Bradley, who fell one hole behind with consecutive bogey-free rounds and shot 68 in the second round.
“It’s been a while. I don’t remember the last time I shot 63 here,” Scott told pgatour.com. “But it feels good to score low because I still have that ability. Hopefully I’ll have another shot this week.”
Sweden’s Ludwig Aberg equalled Scott’s 63 with eight birdies, a bogey and an eagle to move into top spot, four shots behind the leader, while Sweden’s Alex Noren was one shot behind.
World number one Scottie Scheffler, who tops the FedEx Cup standings ahead of next week’s Tour Championship final at East Lake, was disappointed as he could only shoot an even-par 72 to finish the weekend tied for 29th.
Rory McIlroy and Tommy Fleetwood are tied for 15th at three under par.
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Rory McIlroy showed his frustration at the BMW Championship when his tee shot on the 17th hit the rough, resulting in him throwing his club into the water!
Matsuyama had to withdraw from the match due to injury
Earlier on Friday, Hideki Matsuyama pulled out with a lower back injury, a day after he shot 67 in the first round to leave him one shot off the lead.
The tour announced Matsuyama’s withdrawal shortly before the morning tee time and later released a statement on behalf of the 32-year-old Japanese player, who is ranked sixth in the world.
“I am disappointed that I have to withdraw from the BMW Championship after suffering a lower back injury while warming up this morning which made it impossible to play,” he said.
“Thank you to BMW and the Western Golf Association for a great experience at Castle Pines.”
Matsuyama won the PGA Tour playoff opener in Memphis last week. Now third in the FedEx Cup standings, he is confident of being in strong position for next week’s Tour Championship, where the winner will receive a $25 million bonus.
The former Masters champion has 10 PGA Tour victories, including two this season.
How can I watch the FedExCup playoffs?
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How to use Sky Sports+, which gives Sky Sports customers access to over 50 per cent more live sport this year at no extra cost
Every event is broadcast live on Sky Sports, with early coverage of the BMW Championship starting here. Sky Sports+The action resumes on Sky Sports Golf at 7pm, following the conclusion of the AIG Women’s Open on Friday.
There will also be coverage on Sky Sports+ for each round, with a variety of feeds to enjoy, with coverage starting at 7pm for each round on Sky Sports Golf.
Sky Sports+ is officially launched and will be integrated Sky TVStreaming Service Now and the Sky Sports app, which will allow Sky Sports customers to watch more than 50 per cent of live sport this year at no extra cost. Find out more here.
