Troy Matteson and George McNeill leading the Viking Classic on PGA Tour through halfway mark
Troy Matteson, who had to bear a painfully elongated wait in the clubhouse –as the second round proceedings were delayed for almost four hours– finally tee-ed off to share the lead with George McNeill at the Viking Classic at Annandale Golf Club.
Central Mississippi has been battering heavy downpours for several weeks, which have rendered the course softer than usual and players were allowed to pick up the ball and wipe it before making the putt for the second consecutive day.
“It's kind of weird -- I usually don't play that well coming off a rain delay like that,” Matteson said. “Somehow the greens are standing up to the rain. They're soft but they're very smooth. These are some of the best Bermuda greens we play all season and
they've stayed very consistent with their speed.”
Although Matteson was able to complete his round, McNeill is still contemplating to edge past Matteson in the remaining holes of his second round. Matteson has posted rounds of six-under, 66 to settle for 12-under on aggregate, while McNeill is seven-under,
through 17 holes of the second round.
The 31-year-old Matteson played brilliantly after he resumed his round and pulled in three consecutive birdies in the closing holes. The tournament, despite being played on a rain soaked course, has recorded phenomenally low scoring and the projected cut
is now likely to be placed at three-under while no less than 107 players have scores of even-par or better.
“It's perfect conditions for us,” Matteson added. “This is what guys putt best on. This is kind of a putting contest with everything being so soft right now.”
Matteson has won twice on PGA Tour and is looking forward for his third victory which will confirm his tour card for the rest of the season.
Blake Adams played exquisite golf on the second day, carding the lowest round of 62 with nine birdies. He has now managed to push himself into contention and is now trailing the leaders by two strokes. Second round proceedings will resume on the third day
before the players will tee-off for the third round.
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