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Chesson Hadley shoots 61, trails leader Tyler Duncan by two shots at the Safeway Open
Robert Laberge
Chesson Hadley entered the second round of the Safeway Open at even par, seven shots back of the lead and hoping to just make it to the weekend. By the time he reached the 10th tee at Silverado Resort and Spa's North Course, the four-time Web.com Tour winner had his sights set on shooting 59 after going out in six-under 30. He would end up finishing with an 11-under 61 that has him at 11-under 133, two shots back of leader Tyler Duncan
Hadley, 30, had an eagle, 10 birdies and a bogey on Friday, which led to the low round of his career. After making a bit of a splash on the PGA Tour in 2014 and 2015, including earning his first victory at the 2014 Puerto Rico Open, the Georgia Tech alum struggled in 2016, making just 13 of 27 cuts and earning just over $500,000. He earned his card back on the Web.com Tour in 2017, winning twice and registering three finishes inside the top-3. Hadley is in search of his second PGA Tour victory in his 46th start.
Duncan, a PGA Tour rookie, posted a six-under 66 that included three birdies and an eagle on his final five holes. After 36 holes, he leads the field in putts per green in regulation, as well as total strokes gained. He sits at 13-under 131, two ahead of Hadley.
Defending champion Brendan Steele is just one back at 12-under 132 thanks to a five-under 67 that featured six birdies and a bogey. He leads the field in greens in regulation, hitting 34 out of 36 over the first two rounds.
Tony Finau, who carded a seven-under 65 without a bogey, sits three back at nine-under 135. He's now made 15 consecutive cuts dating to last May's AT&T Byron Nelson.
Also at nine-under is Zac Blair, who carded a bogey-free six-under 66.
Phil Mickelson posted a second straight three-under 69, which puts him six shots back at six-under 138.