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Exciting Moments at Phoenix Open: Detry Takes Lead with Perfect Shot

Thomas Detry nearly aced the par-3 16th hole and shot a 7-under 64 in the second round to take a two-shot lead lead in the Phoenix Open. Detry had eight birdies and a bogey to reach 12 under on another…

Exciting Moments at Phoenix Open: Detry Takes Lead with Perfect Shot
Exciting Moments at Phoenix Open: Detry Takes Lead with Perfect Shot

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Exciting Moments at Phoenix Open: Detry Takes Lead with Perfect Shot

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (AP) — Thomas Detry had the perfect number on the wildest hole in golf.

The Belgian’s towering pitching wedge landed near the hole and spun back to tap-in range, setting off a roar at TPC Scottsdale’s stadium 16th hole.

Emiliano Grillo got the only ace on the party barge of a par 3, but Detry has the Phoenix Open lead after nearly matching him.

Detry birdied the par-3 16th hole and shot a 7-under 64 in the second round to take a two-shot lead in the Phoenix Open on Friday.

“It was perfect full wedge and it pitched in a perfect spot, and I think it spun a little bit,” Detry said. “Just a kick-in birdie.”

Detry had eight birdies and a bogey to reach 12 under on another day of perfect conditions at TPC Sawgrass. Michael Kim shot a bogey-free 63 to reach 10 under and was tied with Alex Smalley, who shot 65.

Jordan Spieth put himself in the mix with eagles on 13 and 15, shooting 65 to reach 9 under in his second tournament since offseason wrist surgery. Three-time PGA Tour winner Tom Kim also was 9 under after shooting 66.

Grillo set off the biggest roar — and the only beer shower — of the day, slam-dunking his tee shot on the rowdy 16th.

Tournament officials had tried to curb drinks from flying out of the stands at the stadium hole since Sam Ryder and Carlos Ortiz set off beer showers with aces in the 2022. The new measures did little good after Grillo's shot flew in the hole and swirled around the cup before dropping to send the suds flying.

“It was loud — it was very loud,” Grillo said. “It was a lot of emotions. I didn’t know what to do. I didn’t know what to do. There was a lot going on. I just loved watching the beer go on to the green. That’s what I enjoyed.”

Justin Thomas nearly matched Grillo, hitting his tee shot on No. 16 to 3 feet in a 68 that moved him to 8 under.

Thomas Detry leads the Phoenix Open with a stunning shot, followed by Emiliano Grillo's ace on the rowdy 16th hole, creating excitement at the tournament.

Author Name: By JOHN MARSHALL - AP Sports Writer