Matti Schmid has to wait a long time on Friday and only completes two holes at the Shriners Children’s Open. Things could hardly have gone better for the German in extremely windy conditions.
It was uncomfortable in Las Vegas on Friday. The strong wind caused problems for those responsible. The start of the second day of the tournament was therefore delayed. The players then armed themselves with thick jackets and hats to prepare themselves for the stormy cold. The Shriners Children’s Open is one of those tournaments where some players have a decisive advantage or disadvantage simply because of the start times. Because on Friday the motto was: the less golf you play, the better.
Matti Schmid was lucky in the draw. The Bavarian from Elite Team Germany only had to complete two holes after his outstanding 64 at the start (-7, T2). And that in the somewhat quieter late afternoon. The 26-year-old recorded two pars and marked his ball on the green on the third hole. His second round will continue on Saturday with a 2 meter putt for par in hopefully slightly better weather. So no damage on the score card. The course has been set for another big step towards relegation for the number 105 of the FedExCup, which finished the Black Desert Championship in Utah in fifth place last week. The top 125 in the FedExCup Fall retain their PGA Tour eligibility.
Hunter at 78
However, he was less lucky Stephan Jäger. The Munich native got off to a solid start with a 68, but had to play 18 holes on Friday. In the end, the Houston Open winner couldn’t get past a 78 and will miss the cut. The athlete from Elite Team Germany recently took a sensational second place in Utah.
The Canadian remains in the lead Taylor Pendrith at 10 under par after six holes played. Like Schmid, the Canadian has to compete on Saturday morning to complete his second round.