12 August, 2017: Anirban Lahiri shot a two over 73 in the second round of the PGA Championship to safely make his way into the weekend. Kevin Kisner produced another stellar round of golf to gain a handy three stroke advantage over Thorbjorn Olesen, who still had eight holes to complete at the time of this report. Gary Woodland was one shot back with five to play. Rickie Fowler, Brooks Koepka and Chris Stroud were all tied in fourth at 3-under.
The 30-year-old from India played out yet another round that came alive in the second half to keep himself well above the projected cut line, estimated to fall at 5-over.
As he did in the first round, Anirban began with a bogey on his first hole, this one on the 524 yard, par-4 first hole. After making five consecutive pars, Anirban sank into disarray as he conceded a hat-trick of bogeys at the bend.
But Anirban did well to come home clean, putting together a crisp effort on the back nine of the Quail Hollow course. He also added birdies at the 12th and 18th holes to secure his presence for the weekend with a three over total of 145 over 36 holes.
Kevin Kisner matched his first round effort with another 67 to nearly ensure himself the lead going into the weekend. It is not a lock yet, given the number of players still on the grounds, but he will certainly relish the clubhouse hospitality with a three stroke cushion to his name.
Meanwhile, Phil Mickelson misses out on the weekend of a PGA Championship for the first time in 22 years. Leftie shot scores of 79 and 74 this week to push himself out of the event with an eleven over score of 153.
Korean Byeong Hun An and Hideki Matsuyama were both in T7, but the later had yet to complete his round. Byeong shot a fine 69 to secure his spot in the top ten as the field marches into the final weekend of major golf this season.
