After two rounds – Dany tied for fifth
After the second round of the Nationwide Tour’s Fort Smith Classic on Friday, John Daly shot a 2-under 68 and finished three strokes off the lead.
At the 6,783-yard Hardscrabble Country Club course, Daly finished tied for fifth at 6 under. At 9 under after two rounds, first- round leader Nathan Smith (70) is again atop the leaderboard. Zack Miller (66) is one stroke behind.
Since 1991, this is Daly’s first Nationwide event. Organizers hope he can help this struggling tournament find a title sponsor so it can remain viable for the future, as Daly is from Dardanelle, about 75 miles from Fort Smith.
“I was five shots out to begin the day and the lead didn’t move so now I’m three shots back, Any time you can pick up a couple here and there on Friday, it makes you feel good. It’s anybody’s ballgame “, said Daly.
The two-time major champion birdied Nos. 1, 6 and 11. After his tee shot went far to the right and bounced off the cart path, including on the par-4 18th, he saved par several times, and his second shot went over the green and between the grandstands. With a nice chip on his third shot, Daly bounced back and made a 15-foot putt for par. On each of the final seven holes, Daly made par.
“I’m putting real well, I’m hitting my lines. If you are hitting your lines and not making them, it is just the rub of the green. I made a few key putts for par today and I left a lot on the table, but I really like the way I’m stroking the ball”, said Daly.
On the back nine to tie Smith, Miller birdied three holes for the lead before bogeying his final hole.
