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Woodland sizzles to lead Tournament of Champions

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Kapalua, United States: Gary Woodland fired his second straight six-under 67 to grab a three-shot lead halfway through the 2019 Tournament of Champions as Rory McIlroy starts to make some noise in his Kapalua debut.


Woodland, who is seeking his fourth win on the PGA Tour, used a streak of five consecutive birdies, beginning at the No 11, to reach 12-under 134.


World No 8 McIlroy, Bryson DeChambeau and first-round leader Kevin Tway are tied for second at nine under.


“I have a little different mindset this week, playing a little more aggressive, trying to contend, and trying to win instead of just enjoying the views out here, which I’ve done in the past,” said Woodland.


McIlroy, who shot 68, isn’t the only former major winner still in the hunt as American Justin Thomas is tied for sixth after posting a one-under 72. Long-hitting rookie Cameron Champ (68) and Xander Schauffele (67) are keeping Thomas company at seven-under, five shots adrift of Woodland.


“I stayed patient,” McIlroy said. “The front nine’s the tough nine on this golf course, and I had a couple opportunities, but I just thought if I could get through that first nine under par, I would have a few chances on the back nine. “And thankfully I was able to take advantage.”


Woodland, 34, went on a roll last summer finishing in the top 12 in six-out-of-seven worldwide starts. However, the big knock on the American is his inability to play with the lead as he has failed to convert each of his previous four 36-hole leads into victories. His last win came at the 2018 Phoenix Open.


— AFP



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