TEXAS, United States: Akshay Bhatia used two late birdies to shoot a second-round 70 on Friday, giving him a healthy lead heading into the weekend at the Valero Texas Open at TPC San Antonio.
Bhatia is at 11-under 133 after firing a 63 in the opening round. He's five shots clear of the field after Denny McCarthy bogeyed the par-5 18th to drop into a tie for second at 6 under with Russell Henley (69) and Brendon Todd (72).
Bhatia, 22, could qualify for his first major if he turns in a strong weekend. The Texas Open champion will receive the final berth into next week's Masters, if not already qualified.
Starting his day on the back nine, Bhatia opened birdie-bogey and picked up another bogey at the par-4 15th hole after three-putting from 62 feet. But a birdie at the par-5 second got him back on the right track.
He followed a 9-foot birdie putt at the par-3 seventh with a stellar save at the par-5 eighth, where he got out of a greenside bunker on his third shot and made a 5-footer for birdie.
Rory McIlroy is alone in fifth at 5 under after a 70 (three birdies, one bogey). The World No. 2 from Northern Ireland is tuning up before Augusta, where he will try to complete the career Grand Slam and end a nearly 10-year major championship drought.
Webb Simpson (67) and Englishman Tommy Fleetwood (69) are part of a tie for sixth at 4 under. Jordan Spieth bounced back from a 73 with a Friday 68 to get to 3 under.
Notable names missing the cut of 1 over par include Matt Kuchar (3 over), Rickie Fowler (4 over) and Tom Kim of South Korea (7 over). --REUTERS-Field Level Media