SOUTHAMPTON, Bermuda — Justin Lower continued his impressive play at the Butterfield Bermuda Championship, achieving another 6-under par 65 on Friday, all while failing to capitalize on the course’s par 5 holes. This performance gave him a two-shot advantage heading into the weekend rounds.
The conditions at the Port Royal Golf Course were challenging, with strong winds and intermittent rain creating a tough battle for the players. For the second consecutive day, the rounds didn’t conclude before darkness set in.
Having previously finished as the runner-up in Mexico, Lower started strong with three birdies in his first five holes. He took control of the game with another three consecutive birdies beginning at hole 12, sinking a crucial 6-foot putt. He also made an impressive 20-foot putt from off the green on the 13th, followed by a sharp-breaking 15-footer on the 14th. However, his birdie streak was halted when his bunker shot on the 15th just skimmed the edge of the cup.
Despite his strong showing, Lower lamented not making more of the reachable par 5s, especially as he missed the green on the 17th and his subsequent birdie attempt from 12 feet failed to find the hole. “It definitely sucks to miss out on those par 5s when they felt within reach, other than No. 2 being into the wind,” Lower stated. “It would have been great to capitalize on those last two holes, but overall, I’m satisfied with the round I had.” He sits at 12-under 130, two strokes ahead of competitors Robby Shelton (64) and Ryan Moore (65).
Lower’s position is particularly secure as he has already secured his PGA Tour card for the next season after last week’s performance. A victory this weekend would qualify him for the prestigious Masters and the initial two $20 million signature events in 2025.
Both Shelton and Moore find themselves outside of the top 150 in the FedEx Cup standings, with the PGA Tour season drawing to a close next week. Only the top 125 players retain their full status for the subsequent year. “This year hasn’t been ideal,” Shelton expressed regarding his struggles, citing a change in swing coaches as a factor. “However, I’m feeling very calm this week, and I plan to put in everything I have for these remaining events.” Moore echoed similar sentiments, reflecting on his previous near failure to retain his card last year, which he narrowly avoided after a fifth-place tie in the Bermuda Championship. “I need to break this pattern of reminding myself how to play just before the season ends; it’s not a habit you want to be in,” he remarked, hoping for continued improvement in his game over the weekend.
While the cut will only be finalized after completing the second round on Saturday, Egor Eroshenko is already assured a weekend spot, making history by becoming the first Russian player to make the cut on the PGA Tour.
In an unexpected turn, Kevin Kisner managed a 68, placing him three strokes off the lead alongside Sam Ryder, who carded an impressive 62. Kisner has struggled with his performance throughout the year while attempting to regain his form, even spending time in the NBC broadcast booth. “It’s been a lengthy stretch of poor play, so it’s refreshing to finally see some positive results,” Kisner commented. “When your average putts drop, your regular shots perform well, and your best efforts truly shine, it makes for a fun couple of days.” Ryder’s nine birdies kept his card clean until a bogey on his final hole, giving him the best score of the day. Both players are gearing up for what is anticipated to be a challenging Saturday with more adverse weather conditions at Port Royal.