Already, the first two rounds are behind us in the 104th US PGA Championship and the 36 hole cut fell at 144, four over par with 79 players progressing to the weekend.
First round leader Rory McIlroy shot a second round 71 for a 36 hole total of 136 to be tied fifth and five shots back of halfway leader Will Zalatoris (US).
A big mention for Matt Fitzpatrick coached by my buddy Mike Walker under my watchful eye.
The 27 year old Englishman from Sheffield, was born and brought up just down the road from where I live, is very much in the mix at tied 8th.
Windy weather
I have been involved with Matt’s coaching since he was a kid and he is a regular visitor to my Driving Range and Peter Cowen Academy at Rotherham.
Matt has shot rounds of 69 and 68 around a big golf course, in the worst of the windy weather.
On Thursday he had 4 birdies and 2 bogeys and today 2 birdies and one bogey, impressive golf around a tough course set-up just 12 yards shorter than yesterday’s first round, in much tougher conditions, with a very strict par of 70.
Matt already has an impressive CV with seven victories on the DP World Tour, including wins at the 2016 and 2020 DP World Tour Championships held at Jumeirah Golf Estates and currently stands in 17th in the OWGR.
It is hard to believe he has been around for so long, he won his first tournament, the British Masters at Woburn in 2015.
Mental strength
A mention of Tiger Woods is also important. After struggling in an opening 74, he dug in with a four birdie 69 to make the cut on 143. The mental strength and determination of this guy is inspirational.
Of my other players: Brooks Koepka and Thomas Pieters made the cut, both on two over par, with Brooks shooting an impressive 67 and Thomas a 73.
My other players disappointedly missed the cut: Henrik Stenson and Ian Poulter both by just one shot on 145, as well as Lee Westwood (146) and Padraig Harrington (149).
Tee times for the third round for my guys are as follows (Local Oklahoma time):
9.30 am: Thomas Pieters (Bel) and Francesco Molinari (Italy).
10.10 am: Brooks Koepka (US) and Jason Kokrak (US).
1.20 pm: Matt Fitzpatrick (End) and David Riley (US).
- Peter Cowen, 71, A Dubai Golden VISA Awardee, is recognised as one of the leading golf coaches in the world of golf. A former DP World Tour Professional he has his Peter Cowen Academies in Dubai, at Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club, Emirates Golf Club and Jumeirah Golf Estates. Peter lives in England and headquarters his Peter Cowen Academies in Rotherham.
