European Tour Member Adam Scott of Australia set a new 36 hole tournament record for the Booz Allen Classic after a second round 62 for a 14 under par total of 128 at the Tournament Players Club at Avenel earned him a two stroke lead.
Scott, winner of four European Tour titles in addition to the Players Championship on the US PGA Tour earlier this year, hit all 18 greens in regulation and picked up nine birdies in a flawless display to lie two clear of Americans Olin Browne and Charles Howell III.
“At the start of the week, I thought there would be birdies out there,” said Scott, who is making his first appearance in the tournament. “I think the guys are going to keep it going for the weekend.”
Scott’’s birdie blitz helped ease the disappointment of missing the cut in last week’’s US Open Championship at Shinnecock Hills. “I really struggled with my putting last week in the US Open. I lost my confidence early on the Thursday, and the greens being so fast, that didn’’t help me much.
“The greens have been better here this week, I’’ve had a couple go in and got a really good feel for it.”
In 46 previous starts on the US PGA Tour, Scott has led on one other occasion at the 36 hole stage when he was two clear in the 2003 Deutsche Bank Championship. He maintained that lead through 54 holes and went on to win the title by four strokes.
The last three US PGA Tour events have been won by European Tour Members with Ernie Els winning the Memorial Tournament, Sergio Garcia the Buick Classic and Retief Goosen the US Open Championship.
