Tournament host Steve Stricker (top photo) ended the second day of tournament play tied for first with Erine Els. Bothsit at 9-under and are each seeking a record-setting win on day three.
Ernie Els moves to 30-under par in his last five rounds and is looking to become the first player to win consecutive events on PGA TOUR Champions since this week’s tournament host, Steve Stricker, achieved the feat in May of 2023. “Whether I’m leading or not, tomorrow we have 18 holes,” said Els when asked about preparations for tomorrow’s round. “Stricker is still going to be the man to beat tomorrow.”
Steve Stricker aims to become the first player to successfully defend a PGA TOUR Champions title since Stephen Ames at the 2024 Mitsubishi Electric Classic. (Jerry Kelly won the American Family Insurance Championship in 2019 and 2021, but the 2020 event was canceled due to COVID). Stricker birdied six holes today, including four of his last five, cheered on by enthusiastic fans. “I get a lot of support here. I feel that love right away from the first tee on. And then especially when I can finish the way I did today, it made things a lot more fun and enjoyable, got me right back in the tournament,” Stricker reflected.
Duval ends the day in third position; O’Neal and Kelly tied for fourth
David Duval signed for a 4-under 68 in round two to extend his streak of consecutive sub-par scores to five as he continues to distance himself from his previous best stretch of three straight. Tim O’Neal and Jerry Kelly both ended the day at -6. O’Neal is seeking his first PGA TOUR Champions win in his 38th start and first top-10 finish of the season in his 12th start. Wisconsin native Kelly sits T4 at 6-under 138 after opening with back-to-back 3-under 69s.
Other second round notes
- After making the turn in 5-under 31, Chris DiMarco played his inward nine in even-par, good for a 5-under 67 to move to 5-under 139 (T6).
- Boo Weekley and Glen Day, who shared the 18-hole lead after matching 4-under 68s, are T15 (-4) and T27 (-2), respectively.
Celebrities help raise $25,000 for charity
The AmFam Champ Celebrity Foursome Hosted by Andy North continued its tradition, raising $25,000 for charity. In addition to North, the foursome included 2023 fan-favorite and most decorated Olympian in history Michael Phelps, former Atlanta Falcon quarterback Matt Ryan and NBA Champion and Milwaukee Bucks guard Pat Connaughton. North and Connaughton, winners of the friendly competition, will have a $25,000 donation in their names from the Steve Stricker American Family Insurance Foundation donated to the American Family Children’s Hospital.
Sunday tee times
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