Three-way tie at Byron Nelson
McKINNEY, Texas (AP) — Three players share the leader through two rounds of the Byron Nelson.
Ryan Palmer grabbed a share of the lead with a 10-under 62, leaving him 15 under for the tournament. Sebastian Munoz followed Thursday’s course-record 60 with a 69 that puts him in a tie with Palmer and David Skinns, who fired a 63.
Justin Lower is one shot back and one ahead of Charl Schwartzel.
Mickelson pulls out of PGA Championship
UNDATED (AP) — Defending champion Phil Mickelson has withdrawn from the PGA Championship, less than a week before the start of the Major.
Mickelson has not played since Feb. 6 at the Saudi International, where he accused the PGA Tour of “obnoxious greed” in an interview with Golf Digest. Two weeks later, in an excerpt from Alan Shipnuck’s unauthorized biography to be released next week, Mickelson revealed how he had been working behind the scenes to promote the rival league funded by the Public Investment Fund and run by Greg Norman.
Mickelson authored one of the most stunning victories last year when he won the PGA at Kiawah Island at age 50, becoming the oldest champion in 161 years of the majors.
Stricker retains lead
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) — Steve Stricker shot a 4-under 68 to maintain a two-stroke lead in the second round of the Regions Tradition, the first of five PGA Tour Champions majors.
Stricker has won and finished second the last two trips to Greystone Golf & Country Club. He carded his first bogey of the tournament on the par 5 fifth hole but never lost his lead. He was at 11-under 133.
Scott McCarron shot a 65, and Padraig Harrington had a 66 for a share of second. World Golf Hall of Famer Ernie Els was three shots back after his second straight 68.
