Watson, 65, makes Heritage cut
It took a birdie putt on No. 18, but eight-time major champion Tom Watson made the cut.
The 65-year-old crowd favorite received a standing ovation after sinking a putt to put him at even par for the tournament. That was good enough to move Watson on to the weekend at Harbour Town Golf Links. Watson, who closed with a second-round 70, won the 1979 and 1982 Heritage tournaments.
Watson also birdied the par-3 seventh hole.
The final approach was an iron after a big drive Watson said he “creamed.”
The lack of distance is what keeps Watson away most weeks, but he is sneaking onto some venues where he knows his game still holds up. Colonial Country Club will be another stop.
“I’m not fooling myself,” Watson said. “These kids hit it way too far for me to really seriously compete with them, but it’s fun to be in the mix on the weekend against them. Maybe I can put some good scores on the weekend and get some real satisfaction out of this week.”
McDowell lurking, praises Spieth It’s pretty hard to fly under the radar as a first-round leader, but that’s what 2013 Heritage champ Graeme McDowell did on Friday, finishing 2-under for the day and 7-under for the tournament. That total was good enough to land him in a tie for fourth place. The 2010 U.S. Open champion said the course was conducive to putting up a good score Friday, but felt he didn’t take full advantage.
“I felt the opportunity was there to go low this morning, and it just didn’t quite happen for me,” McDowell said. “But a couple of birdies to finish, and I’m right where I want to be.”
The past two Heritage champions are part of a crowded leader board full of players with plenty of pedigree. And then, of course, there is the force of nature that is Jordan Spieth, who stunned the supportive crowds and the rest of the field with a 9-under second round. The 21-year-old’s surge and the presence of other big names in the top 10 is a bonus for the Heritage, said McDowell.
“He’s the hottest player on the planet right now,” McDowell said. “And fair play to him for even being here this week.”
Saunders, Reed among notable cuts Sam Saunders and Patrick Reed were among the well-known players to miss the cut (even par) on Friday. Other big names to miss out on the weekend were Rory Sabbatini, Russell Henley and Ernie Els.
Vincent makes the cut Virginia Tech senior and Players amateur champion Scott Vincent shot a second consecutive 70 and is 2-under, safely making the cut in his first PGA Tour event.
Vincent made an eagle on the par-5 second and consecutive birdies on No. 10 and 11.
He talked earlier in the week about treating the week as a learning experience and not letting the pressure affect him. A practice round with Kevin Streelman helped him understand some of the finer points of the course.
This story was originally published April 17, 2015 at 11:37 PM with the headline "Watson, 65, makes Heritage cut."