From a Correspondent
Pacific Palisades, California: Korea’s Sungjae Im ground out a second successive two-under 69 at the Genesis Invitational on Friday to stay on the fringe of contention.
It was 2021 winner Max Homa though who seized control of the $20 million event with tournament host Tiger Woods set to make the 36-hole cut on the line.
Im (69-69) made three birdies against a lone bogey at Riviera Country Club to sit in a share of 12th place, six shots behind Homa who will take a one-stroke lead into the third round following a 68 as he chases a seventh PGA Tour victory.
Woods followed his opening 69 with a 73 that left him in T60, with 14 players to complete their second rounds on Saturday morning after play was suspended due to fading light.
The 24-year-old Im, a two-time Tour winner, is enjoying a purple patch of form following a T4 and T6 finish in his last two starts at the Farmers Insurance Open and WM Phoenix Open.
He scrambled beautifully at the iconic venue on Friday, saving par on six occasions thanks to some deft touches.
“First of all, I started off well with a birdie from the beginning, and then I continued to play steadily with pars,” Im said later.
“Unfortunately, I struggled with a bogey on the back nine, but I think I finished the second round well with a 2-under,” added the Korean who made birdies on the first, 11th and 16th holes and has a best of T33 at this event last year.
“I’ve enjoyed top-10s twice recently, and I hope I can use that momentum to make it into the top 10 again.”
Late stumble
In his first tournament since the 2022 Open Championship last July, Woods, 47, scrambled to a 74 for a 143 total which should see him squeezing into the weekend right on the number.
After finishing with three closing birdies for an opening 69 on Thursday, Woods stumbled with three bogeys over his last four holes on Friday.
In his two rounds at Riviera so far, Tiger has hit 11 of 28 fairways and 21 of 36 greens.
Im has also been keeping one eye on the 82-time winner, even rooting for the American legend who has battled a leg injury recently following a car accident in 2021.
“I’m so happy that Tiger is in this week’s tournament, and every player, including me, loves it. I think everybody will love the fact that Tiger can play the weekend. I hope Tiger does a great job in the last two rounds,” said Im.
Compatriot Tom Kim, who attended The Genesis Invitational as a fan in 2020, shot a second round 70 for a share of 33rd place on 141.
Homa, currently second on the FedEx Cup standings, is looking to become the first player to win three times this season and moved closer to his goal following six birdies against three bogeys.
Keith Mitchell (69), Jon Rahm (68) and Lee Hodges (66) share second place, one back.
Also read: Tiger Woods: If I’m playing, I’m going to try and beat you
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