Southern Hills creates a good test of golf
Young American Will Zalatoris crafted two perfect rounds of golf to take the halfway lead in the US PGA Championship at Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA (19-22 May 2022). With a score of 9-under par 131, the 25-year old lean and lofty golfer from California is walking tall at Southern Hills CC. Just one shot behind is another surprise. Chilean golfer Mito Pereira shot rounds of 68 and 64 to get himself into contention in the second Major of the year. Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy slipped back a little on day two for a share of 5th place with Mexico’s Abraham Ancer and Davis Riley (USA) on 136.
On day three, Will Zalatoris bogeyed the first hole to lose his outright lead. It was an exciting start with Mito Pereira becoming co-leader on 8-under par. On the second hole the Chilean golfer made a birdie to take the outright lead on 9-under and then popped in another birdie on the 5th to get to 10-under.
Chilean golfer snatches the lead
With his 100th ranking in the Official World list, Mito Pereira is playing in his first US PGA Championship. And that is pretty amazing as he looks so comfortable competing among the big boys. Thinking of the big boys, it’s disappointing to see Rory McIlroy slip down the leaderboard. He dropped four shots on the 7th, 8th and 9th. The Northern Irish golfer will have to get an early night tonight if he is to get himself back into contention for Sunday’s final play.
Zalatoris is hanging on in there despite a run of short missed putts. But good news for Britain as Matt Fitzpatrick is battling in fine form at Southern Hills. The 27-year old from Sheffield has played superbly this week shooting rounds of 68, 69 and 67. He shares second place with Zalatoris on 6-under par just three shots behind Mito Pereira.
So who is in and who is out?
In total, 78 players made the halfway cut which came at 4-over par. Alas, England’s Ian Poulter and Henrik Stenson (Sweden) were among the group of seven who missed the cut by one stroke. Former World Number One Dustin Johnson (USA) and the current World Number One and Masters Champion Scottie Scheffler missed the cut by two.
While many of the world’s best players are known to crumble under the pressure of winning one of golf’s four Major Championships, others simply blossom bringing out the best in their game at just the right moment.
Frustration for Tiger
Tiger Woods is a fine example of how to groom your finest golf to win a Major. He should know as he has already won 15 Majors in his career. The last victory was an amazing win in the Masters of 2019. Since then he has had a car accident which looked set to finish his golf career. However, after some serious revalidation he has hit the golf course again this year and with good effect. It is no surprise then for many to see Tiger make the weekend cut at Southern Hills CC.
It had been a frustrating first two rounds but after opening with a 4-over par 74, Tiger retaliated with a 69 in the second round to fight on in the PGA Championship. The spectators, as well as the press, would have been delighted to see Tiger in action this weekend. Alas, the tournament has taken its toll on the great player as he has had to withdraw from the US PGA after a disastrous third round of 79. All being well, the crowd-puller will be in full-flowing action again in the US Open next month.
Until then, let’s focus on the US PGA Championship at Southern Hills. The Chilean golfer Mito Pereira is leading on 9-under par and he looks unstoppable. In hot pursuit are Matt Fitzpatrick and Will Zalatoris on 6-under. Cameron Young, Mexico’s Abraham Ancer and Seamus Power (Ireland) and Americans Stewart Cink, the 2017 PGA Champion Justin Thomas and twice Masters Champion Bubba Watson are in the chase very close behind them.
Remember that Sunday, 22nd May is a new day with new chances for everyone, so sit back and enjoy the golf spectacle!
Wendy Hoad
Editor
MAIN PHOTOGRAPH: Chilean golfer Mito Pereira snatches the lead in the US PGA Championship. MINIS: Will Zalatoris, Mito Pereira and Tiger Woods.