CHARLOTTE, North Carolina--Local favourite Webb Simpson chipped in twice on his way to a share of the lead with fellow American Robert Streb after the second round of the $7.1 million Wells Fargo Championship on Friday.
Simpson, who plays at Quail Hollow Club at least once a week when he is at home, used his extensive course knowledge to card a five-under-par 67 and join first-round leader Streb (69) at 10-under 134.
They were two shots clear of their nearest rivals while the two most celebrated players in the field, Rory McIlroy (67) and Phil Mickelson (66), vaulted into contention just three strokes off the pace.
Simpson, the 2012 U.S. Open champion, chipped in from 55 feet at the par-four ninth, and provided an even more impressive encore from 65 feet at the par-three 17th.
"I don't think I've ever chipped in twice on tour in the same round," he told reporters before rushing off to his mother-in-law's birthday party.
"I can't imagine more support than today. If I'm (struggling) at any point early in the round tomorrow, I think that support will help me."
Simpson, who lives adjacent to the seventh hole, felt that his course knowledge helped his comfort level at the event.
"The best player is going to win this week, no matter how many times (he) has played it, but I definitely feel a little sense of comfort knowing I've been here so much," he said.
Earlier in the day, world number one McIlroy followed up his Thursday night comment that the course was "there to be had" by compiling five birdies in a bogey-free round.
REUTERS
