Both Na and Jelly had good rounds today, shooting 69 and 65 respectively. Na, who was the 54 hole leader just a few years ago, had 6 birdies and three bogeys. He's had an interesting past couple of years Kevin Na. He battled a severe case of the yips during his final round of the 2012 Players, where he was seen taking many practice swings and backing off many shots. He struggled careerwise, reaching a low point in 2013. In his post round interview today, Na said he's a changed person, and his score reflects it.
PGA Tour veteran and 48-year old Jerry Kelly's story is a little different. He opened the tournament this week with a decent 71, but followed it with a 65 in a round consisting of 8 birdies and 1 bogey (one of these birdies came on the infamous "Island Green" 17th). This was good enough for the low round of the day as well.
Canadian David Heard is also in the mix at T3 after opening rounds of 67 and 71. The Brampton native also birdied the 17th today. Hearn has been having an up and down season thus far, with his best finish occurring at the RBC Heritage (T6). Best of luck to him this week as well.
TPC Sawgrass was of course in excellent condition, with the front nine playing slightly easier than the back nine, and the final three finishing holes playing the toughest overall. The Island Green 17th again showed us how dramatically it could affect a players score. For example, Ernie Els was 4-under for his round going into 17, having made several birdies and a bogey thus far. With today's far back hole location, Els landed his tee shot pin high then watched his ball slowly roll off the green and into the water. He ended up double-bogeying the hole.
Finally, here's how our picks are doing:
1) Justin Rose: CUT
2) Jordan Spieth: CUT
3) Dustin Johnson: T61 at even par
Rose and Spieth were a bit off on both days, with Rose showing a bit of (rare) anger in his opening round, kicking his golf bag and throwing his club after hitting a ball into the water. Dustin's round was a bit more interesting. He went birdie/bogey and vice verse on many occasions, resulting in back to back 72's. TGR favourite Graeme McDowell also recovered from an opening round of 73 with a 70 today. He sits at 1-under (T46).
There are two more rounds left in The Players, which will no doubt be filled with excitement and good golf. Check out our Results post Sunday evening to see who won this year.
-Nick
Toronto Golf Reviews
PGA Tour Veteran Jerry Kelly is on track for his first win in 6 years at The Players
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