Even after shooting a stellar 7-under-par 63 to secure the lead at the Rogers Charity Classic, Ryan Armour found himself reflecting on the one hole that slipped away during Saturday’s round in Calgary, Alberta.
The challenging 490-yard, par-4 15th hole at Canyon Meadows Golf and Country Club proved costly for Armour, who carded a double bogey that temporarily brought his daily score down to 5 under par.
Demonstrating resilience, Armour rebounded with birdies on the 17th and 18th holes, bringing his total to 12 under for the tournament and placing him one stroke ahead of the competition.
“Things were going smoothly,” Armour remarked. “But that is the nature of golf. It is 18 holes today and 54 holes across the tournament. Adversity is inevitable, and you have to adapt. You must continue making birdies and execute your game out there.”
With several competitors posting exceptional rounds on Saturday, Armour is well aware that securing a victory will be a formidable challenge.
“There were rounds of 61 and 62 out there today,” he noted. “Competitors can easily close a four or five-shot gap and mount a serious challenge, so maintaining a high level of play is essential.”
One of those impressive 61s was carded by New Zealand’s Steven Alker, who sits in second place. Alker was 9 under for the day, bringing his tournament total to 11 under par.
Alker’s round featured an eagle on the par-5 11th hole, complemented by eight birdies and a single bogey.
First-round leaders Richard Green of Australia and the United States’ Rob Labritz are part of a nine-way tie for third place at 10 under par. Green, the defending champion, and Labritz posted identical scores of 67 for the second consecutive day.
The group at 10 under also includes Zach Johnson, Bo Van Pelt, and J.J. Henry, who each shot 62, along with Brian Gay (64), Michael Block (65), Australia’s Michael Wright (64), and Spain’s Miguel Angel Jimenez (66).
Mike Weir continues to be the highest-scoring Canadian at this PGA Tour Champions event. Following the second round, he is tied for 18th place at 7 under par.
