Clutch finish keeps Gary Woodland's cut streak alive
1 Min Read
Gary Woodland closes with birdie to make the cut at Honda
PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. – Gary Woodland entered The Honda Classic this week riding a PGA TOUR-leading streak of 20 consecutive made cuts. With two holes left in Friday’s second round, that streak was in serious danger of ending.
But Woodland took an aggressive line with his tee shot over the water at the par-3 17th, setting up his successful birdie putt from 4-1/2 feet. He followed with two great swings at the par-4 18th, then drained another birdie putt, this one from 15 feet, 10 inches, to keep his cuts streak alive at 21 straight.
“I knew what I had to do those last two holes,” Woodland said. “That frees you up a little bit … knowing I had to make birdies, so I had to play more aggressive.”
MUST READS: Round 2, The Honda Classic
In shooting an even-par 70, Woodland made the cut on the number at 2 over and will have an early start time for Saturday’s third round. He’s not in contention right now, but with fresh morning greens, a tough course and potentially windy conditions for the leaders, he’s not counting himself out just yet.
If nothing else, drilling that final putt when he needed it might serve him well at some future point.
“Knowing you have to make a putt and making it – whether it’s for anything – gives you confidence going forward,” he said. “It’s nice to be under the pressure. I’ll remember that putt when it means something a little more.”
A total of 83 players made the cut, which means a secondary cut looms after the third round to the top 70s and ties.