Sung Kang Rides 61 to Halftime Lead at AT&T Byron Nelson

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Sung Kang
Sung Kang talks with his caddie on the 18th hole during the second round of the AT&T Byron Nelson at Trinity Forest GC on May 10, 2019 in Dallas, TX. Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images

At a cold and windy Trinity Forest Golf Club, Sung Kang was red hot, shooting a flawless 10-under par 61 to secure the halftime lead at the AT&T Byron Nelson.

The 31-year old Korean, who entered his second day in Dallas two back of overnight leader Denny McCarthy, quickly emerged from the chasing pack with a front-nine 30, highlighted by five closing birdies on Nos. 5-9.

Kung made it six straight on No. 10, and added three more birdies on Nos. 13, 14, and 16 to reach 16-under par, four shots clear of Matt Every (65) and Tyler Duncan (66).

“I live in Dallas, about 30 minutes from the golf course. I’ve never seen weather like this in May,” said Kung, who’s hit 23 of 28 fairways, and 31 of 36 greens through 36 holes.

“So I checked the weather yesterday, I knew it was going to be really cold and windy. Really tried to prepare how far the ball was going to go this morning and it worked out great today.”

One further back, alone in fourth, was Brooks Koepka, who closed with four-straight birdies en route to a 66 and a two-day score of 11-under, one clear of Rory Sabbatini (65).

Local favorite Jordan Spieth carded a 67 and was T10 on 7-under par.

Top-5 Leaders

1. Sung Kang -16 (-10)
2. Matt Every -12 (-6)
2. Tyler Duncan -12 (-5)
4. Brooks Koepka -11 (-5)
5. Rory Sabbatini -10 (-6)

Quotable

“On 16th hole I knew if I made two birdies it would be 59. Conditions were so hard. You try to force it and — the course is playing so tough out there.

“So, just try to get the opportunity, probably try to hit it within 15 feet and if I make the putt, good. If I don’t, make par and get me going. I still think it was a great round.”
Sung Kang, on possible 59

Quick Hit

The 61 by Kang tied the course record set by Marc Leishman in last year’s inaugural contest at Trinity Forest.

It’s the second PGA Tour course record produced by Kang, as he also holds the low score (60) at Monterey Peninsula (2016 Pebble Beach Pro-Am).

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