Easy does it: Clark carves out another bogey-free round to set pace

Wyndham Clark: Leader by one —AP

ST. LOUIS—Wyndham Clark made it through another bogey-free round at Bellerive on Friday, posting a second straight 6-under 64 to build a one-shot lead over Gary Woodland going into the weekend at the BMW Championship.

He might need to brace for another gallery supporting the other guy. Woodland grew up just under four hours away—one of the few times Missouri likes someone from Kansas—and is on the cusp of making it to the Tour Championship all while coping with side effects from his 2023 brain surgery.

Woodland birdied his last two holes, belting a 2-iron into the 608-yard 17th hole and stuffing a wedge to 8 feet on the 18th for a 65.

Clark, who endured a New York gallery pulling for Scottie Scheffler at the US Open, has looked comfortable over 36 holes. His only real stress over a par came on the 10th hole Thursday when he had to make an 18-foot putt. He has no complaints about his game, and the two-time US Open champion is tough when he starts heating up.

Clark was at 12-under 128. JJ Spaun had a 66 on his 36th birthday and was two shots behind. All three of them are already assured of finishing in the top 30 who advance to the FedEx Cup finale next week at East Lake in Atlanta.

Woodland hasn’t been there in six years, and while he has looked great for two days, there are reminders that keeping his heart rate and energy under control is a constant battle. After ripping his tee shot on the 18th, Woodland sat down.

“I’m tired,” he said after his round with a grin.

His post-round routine includes sitting in a cool, dark room and trying to reset his brain. Adding to the pressure is trying to move from No. 31 into East Lake. —AP