Greensboro, NC …
Martin Laird is assured of qualifying for next week’s start to the lucrative FedEx Cup Play-Off Series despite withdrawing before the start to his second round in the Wyndham Championship.
Laird ended Thursday’s round very well placed at four under-par and sharing 18th place with fellow Scot Russell Knox.
A PGA Tour official indicated Laird cited ‘family reasons’ in withdrawing fro the $US 5.8m event and returning to his Charlotte residence.
Laird teed-up in Greensboro lying 55th on the FedEx Cup standings and the assurance of contesting the first two of the four-event Play-Off Series.
Knox headed to the first tee for his afternoon tee time with a wet towel draped over his wet and striving the stay cool in the continuing stifling near century-degree heat and humidity.
But it was former Open Champion Henrik Stenson continued to sizzle and muscle his way to a two-shot clubhouse lead on day two.
Stenson, who is looking for a first victory on U.S. soil in four years, added a 66 to his sizzling first round eight-under 62 to advance to 12-under in the near century-like heat on the Sedgefield course.
The 41-year old Swede, and leaving his Callaway driver in his locker for a second day running, has dropped just one shot over 36 holes.
And after missing the cut on two prior occasions and having to withdraw ill in a third, Stenson is naturally delighted to be in contention, and for a first victory since his Open victory at Royal Troon.
“I am feeling a lot better than the previous visits here so it’s been a great tournament”, he said.
“It’s a nice golf course. Not the longest but you still have to keep it in play and be accurate with second shots. And they do a lot for the fans.”
“So, now very excited about the weekend”.
The American duo of Hunter Mahan, with a pair of 65s, and Kevin Na (63) shared second place at 10-under par.
