Hideki Matsuyama finished Friday’s second round of the BMW Championship three shots off the lead in a tie for 11th after carding a 4-under-par 67 at Wilmington Country Club.
Following his opening round of 70, the 2021 Masters champion sank five birdies and a bogey to climb 23 places and move into contention at 5-under for the tournament.
Hideki Matsuyama of Japan hits off the tee during the second round of the BMW Championship golf tournament at Wilmington Country Club in Wilmington, Delaware, on Aug. 19, 2022. (Kyodo)
Australian Adam Scott leads outright at 8-under after rounds of 65 and 69. World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler and fellow American Jordan Spieth are one shot behind in a tie for second.
Matsuyama birdied the par-4 first hole and three of the next five, including back-to-back birdies on the third and fourth.
“I was happy with the way I got through the 18 holes,” said Matsuyama, who shares 11th place with five other players.
The 30-year-old has been dealing with a neck injury that forced his withdrawal from the St. Jude Championship last week in addition to wrist pain that has previously kept him sidelined.
“The pain is better than yesterday. I hit (the birdie putt) on the first hole and that made me feel good,” Matsuyama said.
One of the three FedEx Cup playoff events, the BMW Championship features players ranked in the PGA’s top 70 based on points for the season. The top 30 after the tournament will qualify for next week’s Tour Championship.
“I’m enjoying the tournament,” said Matsuyama, who is currently 15th in the PGA standings.
“My body isn’t ready yet to challenge (the top of the leaderboard). For the time being, I hope I can keep up my play for the remaining two days.”
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