Kenny Perry Leads THE PLAYERS After Day 2, Annika's Back at Michelob.

Kenny Perry forged a one stroke lead after day 2 of THE PLAYERS Championship. His 70 gave him a single stroke lead over first day leader Sergio Garcia and Paul Goydos, both tied together at -5. Perry stroked only 25 putts on the slick TPC Sawgrass greens whereas Garcia needed 31 whacks with the flat stick for his round. It's always about the putting, isn't it? The round of the day belonged to Bernhard Langer, whose 67 propelled him into a three way tie for second. Anthony Kim, showing no signs of youngster nerves, and previous champion Stephen Ames were locked at -4.

This tournament had the reputation for being unpredictable. Evidence the fact that there's never been a defending champion winner. Solid ball striking and great putting on bath tub greens, for four days, is all it takes to win this baby. All? Proof that anyone can win is seen in the list of highly ranked player's performances so far.

After day 2...........Fred Couples, -2, four shots back, still in it. Phil Mickelson and Ernie Els, -1, still in it. Average Golfer's pick, Adam Scott, +2, technically in, realistically out. Last year's 2nd, Sean O'Hair, +4, MC. Vijay Singh, Brandt Snedeker, +4, MC. Padraig Harrington, +6, MC. Justin Rose, Lee Westwood, +7, MC. Geoff Ogilvy, +8, Paul Casey, Steve Stricker, and Chucky Three Sticks, +9, MC. Lastly, K.J. Choi, +13, MC.

That's a burial ground for great golfers. There must be something about this tournament that affected the Brits in the field. They came apart like a $30.00 suit. Perhaps the food's too good.


RESURGENT ANNIKA LEADS AT MICHELOB ULTRA OPEN

I must confess I was wondering about Annika's game. Was it age or fatigue after all these years of excellence? All perfectly understandable when you consider her body of accomplishments for such a long period of time. Well, wonder no more! Brilliant rounds of 64 and 66 gave her a three stroke lead over Jeong Jang and Lorena Ochoa at The Michelob Ultra Open at Kingsmill. With the ladies going low this could be the best contest of the weekend. With Lorena in the mix it has the makings of a real showdown. I may have to reprogram my remote for Sunday.

Til' next,