WGC-HSBC Champions: Key Takeaways from Round Two

We are now through 36-holes at the WGC-HSBC Champions, here’s a few of the key takeaways so far.

Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

This weeks WGC-HSBC Champions is early on in the PGA Tour season but near the end of the European Tour season. With that being said, the best from both tours are out competing this week and it has surely gotten off to an interesting start.

With a star studded line-up featuring Rory McIlroy, Patrick Reed, Henrik Stenson, and Rickie Fowler, an unexpected hero rose to the top after 18-holes. Swedish native Rikard Karlberg led the field after 18-holes, holding a one stroke lead heading into the second round.

Now heading into the third round, its Hideki Matsuyama leading the field after a stellar seven-under 65 in the second round. He holds a three stroke lead over Bill Haas.

The stars in the lineup mean no lead is safe as there is still a lot that can happen in the final 36-holes. For now, here’s a few takeaways headed into the final round.

Mandatory Credit: Eric Sucar-USA TODAY Sports

Rickie Fowler Impressing In Season Debut

It was the Ryder Cup when Rickie Fowler was last seen playing professionally. The 27-year-old has taken a few weeks off and his making his 2016-17 PGA Tour debut this week at the WGC-HSBC Champions. Fowler was win-less last year on the PGA Tour as his only win came at the European Tour’s Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship. Looking to improve upon last year’s misfortunes, he is off to a good start in his attempt to capture his first win of the season.

Fowler was just one stroke off the lead after 18-holes. He was all alone in second place behind Rikard Karlberg.

After 36-holes, Fowler still finds himself near the top of the leaderboard. Although the he faltered a bit with a one-over 73 in the second round, he still has two more rounds to make up the seven stroke deficit he founds himself in. Anything can happen but his name near the top of the leaderboard is a welcome sight.

Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

Paul Casey Continuing Torrid Pace

Recently, it seems every week Paul Casey is making headlines for the incredible golf he’s been playing. His hot streak throughout the FedEx Cup playoffs has translated right into the new PGA Tour season. Casey’s play in his opening tournament of the season, the Safeway Open, proved to be no different than it was in the FedEx Cup playoffs. The 39-year-old finished in a tie for third at Silverado that week. Last week at the CIMB Classic, Casey came down to earth a bit as he finished in a tie for 21st. However, after two rounds at WGC-HSBC Champions, he is proving he’s still in top form.

Casey began his week by posting a five-under 67 in the first round which included four birdies and an eagle. With that, he was once again in the mix near the top of the leaderboard as he placed in a tie for sixth just three strokes from the then leader Rikard Karlberg.

After the second round, yep you guessed it, he’s still in the top 10. He added five more birdies mixed with a few bogeys to post a two-under 70. He is now in a tie for seventh at seven-under.

Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

Daniel Berger In Search Of Second Pro Win

Its only been a few months since Daniel Berger last won a tournament but it was his only win. Berger secured his first professional win at the FedEx St. Jude Classic in June of this year, last year in PGA Tour seasons. Now as the 2016-17 PGA Tour is just getting underway, Berger is in search for just his second PGA Tour win. His quest began last week at the CIMB Classic where he finished in a tie for 51st at four-under. However, this week, just his second tournament of the short year, Berger is off to a great start.

After the first round, Berger was in a tie for third with defending champion, Russell Knox. Both golfers shot a first round six-under 66 to sit just two strokes behind the leader.

With 36 holes now in the books, Berger is still in great position. He followed up his solid first round with a four-under 68 in the second round. With just two rounds to play, Berger has climbed into a tie for second place with Bill Haas at 10-under, just three strokes off the lead. His second career win could be right around the corner.

Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

WGC-HSBC Champions – Day 2 Leaderboard

1. Hideki Matsuyama – (-13)

T2. Bill Haas – (-10)

T2. Russell Knox – (-10)

T4. Daniel Berger – (-8)

T4. Richard Bland – (-8)

T4. Francesco Molinari – (-8)

T7. Paul Casey – (-7)

T7. Ross Fisher – (-7)

T7. Rory McIlroy – (-7)

T7. Xinjun Zhang – (-7)

T11. Dean Burmester – (-6)

T11. Rickie Fowler – (-6)

Check back with us on Saturday for your day three roundup from Sheshan!