TORONTO — Chad Campbell fired nine birdies in a nine-under par 63 Friday to grab a two-stroke lead in the US PGA Tour's Canadian Open. The American, in search of a fifth career title and his first since 2007, had a 36-hole total of 14-under par 130 and was two strokes clear of compatriot Brian Harman, who carded a 67 for 132.
“Never really felt like it was going to be a crazy round, which nine birdies — I'm definitely happy with it,” said Campbell, whose round was one stroke shy of the Glen Abbey record when played at par-72 — posted by Greg Norman in 1986 and John Merrick in 2013.
Campbell birdied all four of the course's par-fives. Although he has hit just 14 of 28 greens in regulation in the first two rounds, he needed only 25 putts on Thursday and 24 Friday.
“It's kind of weird because it happened with the par-fives,” said Campbell, a former US Ryder Cup player.
Canada's David Hearn fired a 64 to share third place on 133 with American Johnson Wagner, who posted a 66.
If he can pull off the victory in his home open Hearn would become the second Canadian to win on tour this season, after Nick Taylor's triumph in Jackson, Mississippi, back in November.
The last Canadian to win the Canadian Open was Pat Fletcher in 1954.
Australian Jason Day, coming off a share of fourth place at the British Open at St. Andrews, was alone in fifth place on 134 after a 66.
The world No. 10 highlighted his round with an eagle at the par-five 18th. Although the weather-induced Monday finish at St. Andrews left Day with a short turnaround, he didn't think fatigue would be a factor at the weekend. 'Allenby should clean up his act'
A caddie who witnessed the fiery verbal confrontation between Robert Allenby and his caddie during the Canadian Open is appalled by the way the player treated his bagman.
Simon Clarke watched the dust up between Allenby and caddie Mick Middlemo Thursday, because he was working for another player in the group, South Korean S.J. Park.
Allenby sacked caddie Middlemo on his fourth hole, the par-five 13th at Glen Abbey, with the 44-year-old player claiming the two disputed club selection on the approach shot, which found the creek in front of the green and led to a triple bogey.
Clarke, who has known fellow Australian Allenby for two decades, said he was speaking publicly only because he did not want Middlemo's reputation to be unfairly maligned.
“I wouldn't be talking about it if he (Allenby) didn't tell the media afterward a whole lot of ......,” Clarke said.
“I've known Rob for a long time and I've known Mick for a long time. It's disappointing that at age 42, or however old he (Allenby) is, he's still treating people that way and how many good caddies he's gone through.
“It's sad that he speaks to the guys this way and doesn't wait until after the round. It's disappointing that he's up to his old tricks.”
Allenby did not immediately respond to an email requesting comment. Allenby had a spectator carry his clubs on the back nine and shot nine-over 81, before pulling out of the event.
“If Rob tells the true story, I'm not speaking out,” Clarke said. “Lies affect Mick's career.” — Agencies
