Bernhard Langer, Doug Barron share lead at The Ally Challenge
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GRAND BLANC, MI - AUGUST 28: Bernhard Langer celebrates his putt for a birdie on the 18th green during the second round of The Ally Challenge at Warwick Hills Golf and Country Club on August 28, 2021 in Grand Blanc, Michigan. (Photo by Stan Badz/PGA TOUR)
Written by The Associated Press
Bernhard Langer drains birdie putt at Ally Challenge
GRAND BLANC, Mich. — Bernhard Langer birdied the final hole for a 6-under 66 and a share of the second-round lead Saturday in The Ally Challenge.
A day after shooting his age on his 64th birthday, Langer had six birdies in a bogey-free round at Warwick Hills to match Doug Barron at 14-under 130.
“I think it’s demanding off the tee,” Langer said. “You’ve got to really hit the ball straight, keep it between the trees and on the short grass. Especially when you play preferred lies the way we have the last two days, it’s even more premium to hit it in the fairway because you can clean the ball and have a good lie.”
Langer has has 41 PGA TOUR Champions victories, four off Hale Irwin’s record. The German star won his last title in March 2020.
“It’s going to take a low one because it’s really bunched up,” Langer said. “It’s not just Doug Barron and I, there’s about 15, 20 guys that can still win this tournament going low. We can’t afford to sit on our laurels and make pars and hope to win this tournament. You’ve got to go low tomorrow to have a chance to take the trophy away.”
Barron shot 64. He won the Shaw Charity Classic two weeks ago in Calgary, Alberta, for his second PGA TOUR Champions title.
“I’m playing great,” Barron said. “I’m trying to just play smart and play good. I’m putting beautifully.”
Joe Durant was a stroke back after a 66. Thongchai Jaidee was 12 under after a 65.
Defending champion Jim Furyk was 8 under, following an opening 65 with a 71.