Ludvig Åberg and Viktor Hovland are in rivalry at the Memorial Event. Nevertheless, they should chase down Scottie Scheffler to take action.
Hovland fired off his second straight 3-under 69 to take a seat at 6-under, three pictures behind Scheffler. Åberg shot an even-par 72 on Friday to remain at 4-under, 5 pictures off the tempo.
Scheffler shot a 4-under 68 to get to 9-under, as he holds agency management of the event.
The circumstances at Muirfield Village have been tough, because the wind gave many gamers matches. But, the 2 Ryder Cup companions stayed targeted to keep away from dropping down the leaderboard.
Hovland recorded 5 birdies and two bogeys in spherical two. Though he might have shot the identical rating, the 26-year-old felt the observe performed a lot harder on Friday.
“The greens have been firmer at present, in order that already makes the greens play just a little bit smaller,” Hovland stated.
“Some good gusts and regular winds make it much more tough. I did a great job of hitting a bunch of fairways, however even then, there was lots of pondering and guessing going into the greens. It’s onerous to get it near the opening, however I managed to do this at present.”
Hovland led the sector on Friday in greens in regulation as he hit 16-of-18. He was additionally fourth in driving accuracy, with 12-of-14 drives discovering the green—a large enchancment from Thursday’s spherical when he hit solely 9 fairways and 10 greens.
“I believed there have been some tough pins [on Thursday], however there have been some good ones at present as nicely,” Hovland stated.
“I’m simply glad to play higher at present. Hit it loads nicer. I missed just a few brief ones, however nonetheless, yeah, simply performed nice.”
Åberg needed to grind all through his spherical. He recorded two birdies and two bogeys. Nevertheless, these 14 pars proved enormous, retaining him on the primary web page of the leaderboard.
The previous Texas Tech Crimson Raider felt his sport improved even when the scorecard didn’t point out that.
“Regardless that it performed tougher and the rating wasn’t the identical, it nonetheless felt just a little bit higher, I assume,” Åberg stated.
“I’m happy with the consequence. It was a troublesome day, lots of up-and-downs and bunker pictures and whatnot. So, total, I’m trying ahead to the following couple of days.”
Certainly one of his greatest moments of the day got here on the par-4 seventeenth. He made an unimaginable hole-out from the greenside bunker for birdie.
Åberg performed alongside Scheffler the primary two days however was not intimidated. Most gamers know the two-time Masters champion will do nice issues on the course.
“I can solely do myself and might management what I can management,” Åberg stated.
“He’s taking part in very, excellent golf, and it doesn’t look very tough when he’s taking part in, however all I can do is attempt to sustain and ensure I’m not too far behind.”
Åberg and Hovland are inside attain, particularly with 36 holes to play. If Hovland retains taking part in this nicely, he might win back-to-back Memorial Tournaments. Nevertheless, the observe will solely get tougher to deal with because it sinks its enamel into these gamers. Chasing down Scheffler provides to the general problem, too.
Savannah Leigh Richardson is a golf employees author for SB Nation’s Enjoying Via. For extra golf protection, you should definitely comply with us @_PlayingThrough on all main social platforms. You can too comply with her on Twitter @SportsGirlSL and Instagram @savannah_leigh_sports.
