Padraig Harrington leads by one after Round 2 at Hoag Classic Newport Beach

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Daily Wrap Up

Written by Staff

Beginning the day a shot off the lead, 2024 World Golf Hall of Fame inductee Padraig Harrington played his last four holes in 4-under en route to a 4-under 67 to claim a one-stroke lead in his bid for a seventh win on PGA TOUR Champions
Making his second start in the Hoag Classic (T2/2023), reigning Charles Schwab Cup champion Steve Stricker is T5 at 8-under 134 after starting with back-to-back 4-under 67s; having not finished outside the top 10 in back-to- back starts since January 2019, he comes to this week’s Hoag Classic after a T32 showing in his most recent start at the Cologuard Classic

Following a bogey at No. 14, played his last four holes in 4-under (eagle-par-birdie-birdie), good for a 4-under 67 and one-stroke lead
When holding at least a share of the 36-hole lead on PGA TOUR Champions in 54-hole events, has converted for the win on both occasions (2022 Ascension Charity Classic, 2023 TimberTech Championship)
In his only previous Hoag Classic start, finished T7 in 2023
Seeking a seventh win on PGA TOUR Champions and first since the 2023 TimberTech Championship
2024 World Golf Hall of Fame inductee amassed six wins on the PGA TOUR, including the 2007 and The Open Championship 2008, as well as the 2008 PGA Championship

After tying his career-low score of 9-under 62 in Round 1, 18-hole leader Thongchai Jaidee signed for a 2-under 69 and will begin the final round a stroke off Padraig Harrington’s lead; seeks a third PGA TOUR Champions victory (2022 American Family Insurance Championship, 2023 PURE Insurance Championship).
With three birdies and an eagle, Miguel Angel Jimenez played his last six holes in 5-under before signing for a 3-under 68; at 9-under 133, is vying for his 14th win on PGA TOUR Champions and first since the 2022 Boeing Classic.
Jerry Kelly, who was not feeling well early in the week, has opened with matching 3-under 68s to reach T11 at 6-under 136; best of four previous Hoag Classic starts was T21 in his most recent start of 2022.
Ricardo Gonzalez, who won the Trophy Hassan II last month, overcame an opening-round 1-over 72 with the low round of the day, a bogey-free 7-under 64; will enter Sunday’s final round T11 at 6-under 136.
2020 and 2023 Hoag Classic champion Ernie Els improved on his opening 1-under 70 with a 3-under 68 in Round 1, putting him at 4-under 138; the defending champion will begin Sunday’s final round eight strokes back.
Citing “injury,” Fred Couples withdrew after nine holes in Round 2.