Xander Schauffele Takes the Halftime Lead at the Olympics

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Xander Schauffele Leads Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games
USA's Xander Schauffele tees off on the 5th tee in round 2 of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at the Kasumigaseki CC in Kawagoe on July 30, 2021. (Photo by Kazuhiro NOGI / AFP via Getty Images)

Despite being five shots back of overnight leader Sepp Straka, the bookmakers pegged Xander Schauffele as the favorite entering round two of the Olympics.

They must have known something as the 28-year-old American produced a second-day 63 to secure the halftime lead at the Men’s Golf tournament.

Schauffele’s day at Kasumigaseki Country Club was highlighted by a closing five-hole stretch (Nos. 14-18) which included an eagle and three straight birdies to reach 11-under par.

“I just got in a nice flow there at the end,” said Schauffele, who is looking for his first win since 2019.

“Kind of one of those situations where I wish I could play some more holes.”

Mexico’s Carlos Ortiz was one back on 10 under after shooting a second-round 67.

Four more players were tied for third on 8 under, which included home hero Hideki Matsuyama who had a 5-foot birdie attempt on the 17th hole when the round was suspended due to lightning and rain.

Team Ireland’s Shane Lowry (65) and Rory McIlroy (66) were among a group of four tied for seventh at 7 under.

“The goal today was to sort of get back in touch,” said McIlroy. “I just wanted to get into contention going into the weekend and at least feel like I was still a part of the tournament. And I’ve done that.”


Tokyo 2020 Olympics


Round-2 Leaderboard: Top-10

Pos-Player-To Par (Rd 2)
1. Xander Schauffele -11 (-8)
2. Carlos Ortiz -10 (-4)
3. Hideki Matsuyama -8 (-6)*
3. Mito Pereira -8 (-6)
3. Alex Noren -8 (-4)
3. Sepp Straka -8 (E)
7. Shane Lowry -7 (-6)
7. Rory McIlroy -7 (-5)
7. Paul Casey -7 (-3)
7. Jazz Janewattananond -7 (E)

Notables

Pos-Player-To Par (Rd 1)
15. Viktor Hovland -5 (-2)
20. Cameron Smith -4 (-4)
20. Abraham Ancer -4 (-2)
25. Patrick Reed -3 (E)
25. Collin Morikawa -3 (-1)
25. Joaquin Niemann -3 (-2)
25. Tommy Fleetwood -3 (-2)
39. Justin Thomas -1 (-1)
39. Thomas Pieters -1 (+5)
51. Marc Leishman +1 (+2)


PGA Tour Media press releases, post-round notes, transcripts, and statistics were used to compile this report.


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