YOKOHAMA, Japan — Keith Mitchell shot a 6-under 65 on Friday to share the top of the leaderboard at the PGA's Baycurrent Classic with first-round leader Jacob Bridgeman.
Bridgeman finished with a 68 on a sunny golfing day to go with his opening 63 at the Yokohama Country Club.
The leaders, both from U.S., were two shots clear of a group of four including Ben Kohles who had a 9-under 62, the low round of the day. Also two shots back of the lead were Mac Meissner (68), Max Homa (68) and Zack Bouchou (64).
Nick Taylor of Abbotsford, B.C. was at 4 under, while Taylor Pendrith of Richmond Hill, Ont. was at even par.
The PGA Tour’s lone stop in Asia features its strongest field of the FedEx Cup Fall series, with 13 of the 24 players who competed in the Presidents Cup two weeks ago at Medinah in the Chicago suburbs.
Mitchell said the enthusiastic gallery helped him, and he said he spends time researching the Japanese food scene before he makes the trip.
“I love it over here. It’s always on my schedule,” he said. “I love Japan. I think just the energy here just helps me play a little bit better for some reason.”
Bridgeman had what might be described as a grinding round. But he got it done.
“I didn’t quite have the same game I had yesterday today so it was a little bit more difficult to make as many birdies, but I think I kind of realized that early and was able to play kind of conservative and plot my way around the course,” he said. "Navigated it pretty good, was able to post a good number.
Japan's top star, Hideki Matsuyama, shot a 1-over 72 and was eight shots off the lead. Xander Schauffele carded a 69 and was also eight shots back.
