Campbell Goes Low, In Front at Canadian Open


Chad Campbell fired a 9-under 63 to take a two-stroke lead at the halfway mark of the RBC Canadian Open. The $5.8 million PGA Tour event is being played at Glen Abbey Golf Club in Oakville, Ontario.

Campbell, a 41-year-old with four titles on the PGA Tour, hasn't visited the winner's circle since the 2007 Viking Classic. But, after his spotless nine-birdie round, the Texan is at 14-under 130, two shots ahead of Brian Harman, who's posted rounds of 65 and 67.

"Never really felt like it was going to be a crazy round, which nine birdies, I'm definitely happy with it," Campbell told reporters. "Just solid play."

He was certainly pleased with his all-around play. "It's kind of weird because it happened with the par-5s, knocking them on (the green) in two and two-putting," Campbell added. "I made a couple long putts, which always helps."

Canadian David Hearn posted a 64 to vault up the leaderboard into a tie for third at 133 with Johnson Wagner, who had a 66. Hearn is hoping to become the first Canadian to win his country's national golf championship since Pat Fletcher in 1954.

"If I continue to keep playing the way I am, I know I have a chance," the 36-year-old native of Branford, Ontario, said. "I can't control what Chad or any of the other players are going to do. But if I keep doing what I'm doing and stay focused on that, I like my chances."

In fifth at 134 following a 66 is Australia's Jason Day, while tied for sixth one stroke back are Americans Erik Compton (69), Eric Axley (68) and Bubba Watson (67).

First-round leader Emiliano Grillo, who opened with a 64, carded an even-par 72 to drop into a tie for ninth with Michael Putnam, Brooks Koepka, Chez Reavie, Scott Pinckney, Vaughn Taylor and William McGirt.

Another top Canadian, Saskatchewan's Graham DeLaet, withdrew after completing only four holes Friday due to a thumb injury he suffered Thursday. "When it all came down to it, I felt if I could compete and still hit the ball well, I probably would have kept going," DeLaet told reporters. "But I didn't have any kind of golf game out there today, and then it was hurting."

The shot of the day was made by Ricky Barnes, who aced the par-3 fourth hole with an 8-iron and won a new car. "It was a perfect 8-iron," said Barnes, who added four birdies and four bogeys for a 70 to get to 6-under. "I think the yardage was 165 into a little breeze, and it just landed right in the hole and never came out."

Defending champion Tim Clark of South Africa followed up his opening 72 with a 67 and is well above the 36-hole projected cut line of 2-under 142.

For updated scores, visit http://www.pgatour.com/leaderboard.html.