Woods, Mickelson know they must pick up the pace
BY HERB GOULD Staff Reporter August 9, 2013 10:02PM
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Updated: September 11, 2013 6:13AM
PITTSFORD, N.Y. — Tiger Woods (1 over par) and Phil Mickelson (2 over) know they’ll need to play lights-out this weekend to have a chance in the PGA Championship.
‘‘I need to hit it better than I have,’’ Woods said Friday. ‘‘I have to go out there and post something in the mid to low 60s, like some of the guys did today. It definitely can be done.’’
‘‘I struggled these first two days, for sure,’’ Mickelson said. ‘‘I have to shoot 6 or 7 under par tomorrow to have a chance on Sunday.’’
Rory roars
On the brink of missing the cut, which ended up being 3 over par, defending PGA champion Rory McIlroy birdied four of his last seven holes. His 39-32 got him to even par after 36 holes.
‘‘I’m obviously pretty happy,’’ McIlroy said.
No small comfort
A pair of 76s left Mike Small 12 over par after two rounds, far from making the cut for the fourth time in nine PGA appearances. It also left Small heading home frustrated.
‘‘I brought nothing to the table all week,’’ the Illinois golf coach said. ‘‘You have to hit the fairways, and I had trouble hitting it inside the ropes, let alone the fairways. This is my third event since November, but no excuses. I have to get better.’’
The PGA’s other three Illini — Steve Stricker (5 under), Luke Guthrie (2 over) and D.A. Points (3 over) — are still alive.
