Justin Rose vaults clear with 63

Justin Rose, hunting his first PGA Tour title, hit a seven-under-par 63 to charge four strokes clear of the field after the second round of the Buick Championship in Cromwell, Connecticut on Friday.

Without a bogey in the opening two days at the TPC at River Highlands, Rose tops the leaderboard on 12-under 128.

Former British Open champion Ben Curtis (68) and Kevin Sutherland (67) shared second spot on 132, with Dean Wilson (66) and Chris Smith (67) one shot further adrift.

JJ Henry, Tim Petrovic and Michael Putnam, who is making his professional debut, were on 134 alongside South Africa's Tjaart van der Walt and Australian Robert Allenby.

"I think what I'm probably more pleased about than 12 birdies is the fact I've kept a bogey off my card," said Rose, who has yet to post a top-10 finish this season.

"We all know this is a pretty tricky golf course," he told reporters.

"It's been a slow year which has been frustrating because I feel my game has been in good shape.

"I've been in situations where I've had a chance to win and I've wanted it a little too much. I've been through that and I've recognised that and I've been working on my patience level."

A four-times winner internationally, Rose birdied his first two holes before taking sole possession of the lead with more back-to-back birdies at the sixth and seventh.

The 25-year-old Englishman then stamped his authority on the field with three consecutive birdies from the 12th.

"Tomorrow I'm not going to think about winning, it's the halfway point," said Rose.

"I think if I can just try and get something out of the course the next two days, I think the total will be pretty good.

"I've learned it (being ahead after 36 holes) is a million miles from winning the tournament and I think that helps me.

"There's no point thinking about winning until Sunday. It can only get in your way until then."

Holder Woody Austin, who ended a nine-year title drought with his playoff victory over Tim Herron 12 months ago, registered a two-under 68 for 137.

Email this page to a friend | Return to top of page