INZAI CITY, Japan — Beau Hossler sizzled with a five-under-par 65 to take a one-shot lead after Friday’s second round of the wind-blown Zozo Championship at the Narashino Country Club on the outskirts of Tokyo.
Hossler is gunning for his first PGA Tour victory and steps closer to fulfilling it. Only 30 broke par among the 78-player field in windy, dry conditions.
“I’d say anything under par was a really quality score,” Hossler said. “So to shoot five-under-par was incredible.”
Hossler leads fellow American Justin Suh, who fired a 4-under 66.
Japanese Satoshi Kodaira had a 68, followed by Americans Eric Cole and Xander Schauffele.
Collin Morikawa, after a 64 to lead the first round, slipped to four strokes off the pace with a wind-blown 3-over 73.
“It (the wind) makes every shot significantly more difficult, from a 3-foot putt to a 260-yard shot into a green,” Hossler said. “It’s a significant challenge on every shot and you just try as much as you can to just focus.”
“No disrespect to Japan, but I’ll take a win anywhere. I’ve been playing well lately. It’s a difficult golf course in spots, but it’s a very gettable golf course in spots.”
Cam Davis is four strokes off with a 70. “I hit my shortest drive of the year probably by 40 yards on the last hole.” It was a “four or five-club wind,” he said in describing the conditions.
“I wouldn’t have said 5-under was out there,” added Davis. “I mean, you always expect someone to have a day where things go their way and obviously Beau has just played super great golf. Hats off to him.”
Morikawa is still in the chase but breaking his slump still seems so far away.
“When it was gusting, you had to control your golf ball,” he said. “I think I counted my fairways when I was walking up 18. I hit three fairways today. So playing out of the rough and playing out of the trees is not easy on this golf course.”
“We’re still right there,” he added. “Four back. ”Obviously a bunch of guys, but I know I can play well because yesterday was nice to play some offense.”
