Buick Open: Woods shares lead
2006-08-05 08:21
Grand Blanc - Tiger Woods got off to a quick start to share the lead on Friday when darkness stopped play in the second round of the $4.8m Buick Open.
Being in contention here is nothing new for Woods, who has finished in the top four in each of his last four visits, including a victory in 2002.
Woods appeared to be on his way to another strong showing.
The world No. 1 carded seven birdies without a bogey through 15 holes, moving to 13-under.
He had four birdies on the front nine, then three in a row from the 12th before a par on his final hole of the day.
Woods is playing for the first time since he won the British Open two weeks ago, capturing his 11th major championship and 49th PGA Tour title.
Brett Quigley was in the clubhouse at 13-under 131, signing for a six-under 66 that included a birdie at 18.
Woods and a host of players will return to the Warwick Hills Golf and Country Club on Saturday morning to finish the second round before third-round play starts.
Jeff Sluman and Bo Van Pelt, forced to work overtime Friday because of Thursday's suspended first round, were both two back.
"I was pleasantly surprised," said Sluman, who shot 66-67.
"I woke up this morning with about three hours of sleep. I woke up at 02:30 and have been up ever since.
"I was exhausted starting the round. And the way I felt, I didn't know if I could play all 30. But as the day progressed, I felt a little better."
Van Pelt completed a first-round 67 then posted a bogey-free 66.
A possible candidate for the upcoming Ryder Cup team, Sluman has finished within the top six in three of his last six events.
Two-time defending champion Vijay Singh was also in contention.
Singh completed 10 holes at two-under to move to 10-under for the tournament. A total of 11 golfers were within three shots of the lead.
- AFP