YOKOHAMA, Japan — Max Glaserman missed out on victory by one stroke in Japan a year ago. This time, he will try again to make a breakthrough and aim for his first victory on the PGA Tour.
Glaserman shot an 8-under 63 on Friday for a second round of 12-under 130 and a four-shot lead at the Bay Current Classic. He trails Alex Smalley (age 65), Xander Schauffele (age 63) and Alex Nolen (age 65) by four.
This is the only PGA Tour event in Japan. The tournament used to be held east of Tokyo, but this year it was moved to Yokohama. The event was first held in 2019 and was won by Tiger Woods.
“We’ve been doing well from the start this week, so we just keep doing what we’re doing,” Glaserman said.
When asked if he’s attracted more fans since coming so close last year when he lost to Nico Echavarria on the 72nd hole, he said:
“I think some of these guys went last year as well, and I’m sure they remember me,” he said.
Schauffele shot an even-par 71 on Thursday, but his pace was slowed by gusty winds blowing through the course.
“Yesterday I felt like I was just trying to survive the round, and today there were some moments where it felt like there was almost no wind,” Schauffele said. “The greens rolled really well and the wind was light. You get rewarded for hitting good shots, so I was able to make the most of it.”
He is five strokes behind the leader, followed by four other players, including defending champion Echavarria.
Japan’s Kazuki Higa shot an impressive 8-under 28 on Friday – eight birdies in the first nine holes – but couldn’t keep up the pace in the second nine holes and finished with a 64. He is six strokes behind the leader.
Collin Morikawa, who played with Schauffele on the losing U.S. Ryder Cup team, shot a 3-under 68 on Friday at Yokohama Country Club to move within nine strokes.
