Spieth opens up a 4-shot lead at Kapalua

“So if I can just have some of those lengthy putts go in and make some short birdie putts, that’s all I can ask for”. Birdies have not been in short supply this week with only a moderate breeze and a blazing sun that is making Kapalua pick up some speed.

New Zealand’s Danny Lee finished tied with Americans Brandt Snedeker and J.B. Holmes on 67, with Argentina’s Fabian Gomez alone in sixth on 68.

World number one Jordan Spieth chipped in for an eagle and grabbed seven birdies in a nine-under par 64 on Friday to surge four strokes clear of the field after two rounds of the US PGA Tournament of Champions.

KAPALUA, Hawaii (AP) – Jordan Spieth is aware of the scoring record at Kapalua, and that’s what he plans to pursue in the final round of the Hyundai Tournament of Champions.

He carded an erratic 69 in Thursday’s opening round as he seeks a first victory in his home Open championship to go with six previous European Tour wins.

Scotland’s Russell Knox is tied in 21st – along with Jason Day – on three under while Graeme McDowell is a further two shots back in 29th.

“Because of that even though I was hitting a lot of greens they just weren’t getting as close as they were yesterday”, he said. Except for the par 5s, he only had two chances inside 20 feet on the back nine.

They have a two-shot lead over Keith Horne, who completed only nine holes of his third round.

“If I do what I did today each day, we’re in good business”, added Spieth, who had seven birdies in his bogey-free round.

“This is one [tournament] that we strive to make each year, and if I am eligible to play in this tournament and I’m not [playing in it], I hope every single one of you calls me and bashes me for it”, he said to the assembled media prior to this week’s event.

“I guess it’s possible but that’s asking a lot”, he said.

Reed birdied the 549-yard, par-4 17th hole thanks to a laser-like approach shot from 217 yards that parked itself a mere two feet from the cup and was very likely the best shot of the day.

With the standard of golf played Saturday, it might be what it takes to assure another victory for the world’s No. 1 player.