Jimmy Walker strides into halfway lead at WGC-Bridgestone Invitational
Belgium’s Thomas Pieters two shots back at Firestone Country Club, with Hideki Matsuyama, Rory McIlroy and Zach Johnson within touching distance
Jimmy Walker, one week away from the defence of his PGA Championship title, fired a five-under-par 65 to seize a two-shot lead after two rounds of the World Golf Championship-Bridgestone Invitational.
Walker was unfazed by a pair of weather delays totaling nearly five hours and registered six birdies and a bogey to reach the midway mark on seven-under-par at Firestone Country Club in Akron, Ohio.
First-round leader Thomas Pieters of Belgium was alone in second after adding a level-par 70 to his opening 65.
Tied for third on four-under were world number three Hideki Matsuyama, who posted three late birdies for 67, four-time major champion Rory McIlroy and two-time major champion Zach Johnson.
“Once we got back out there after the delay, I think everybody felt a little flat,” said McIlroy. “I didn’t help myself by missing a few chances as soon as we came back out.
Watch: Second round highlights