Alex Smalley made a strong move Friday at the Wyndham Championship, shooting a 6-under 64 to get within two strokes of the lead at Sedgefield Country Club.
Beau Hossler remained in front after backing up an opening-round 9-under 61 with a 3-under 67 in the second round. That kept the lead tight heading into the weekend, with several players still close enough to make a run.
Smalley’s round changes the picture
For Smalley, the second round carried extra significance. The Greensboro-area player had missed the cut in three straight starts at the Wyndham Championship before this week, so a round like Friday’s was a welcome change. He also posted a round that fit the way Sedgefield Country Club can play when conditions allow it to open up.
Sedgefield can be extremely gettable or extremely difficult depending on pin locations, and Friday offered enough scoring chances for Smalley to take advantage. He hit 14 of 18 greens in regulation, gained 3 strokes on approach and added 1.18 strokes putting, a combination that helped him move into contention.
Among the key scoring holes were Nos. 12, 14 and 18, where Smalley was able to continue building momentum and stay in the chase. Entering the weekend, he sits two strokes off the lead and within striking distance if he can carry Friday’s form into the next round.
Hossler still has the top spot after two rounds, but the margin is slim enough that the tournament remains open. Smalley’s second round gave him exactly what he needed: a place near the top and a chance to turn a good week into something bigger.
