Las Vegas, Nevada (August 24, 2012)–Nick Watney sat atop the FedEx Cup standings heading into the playoffs in 2011. But in 2012, he entered The Barclays at 49th in the standings. But through the first two rounds, Watney was tied with Sergio Garcia at the top of the leader board. His second round was interesting to say the least because his putting sword was hot and cold. –By Brian Hurlburt
"I hit the ball very nice all day, and it was weird, I made some really nice putts and I had some three‑putts," Watney told the media following the round. "Kind of a live‑by‑the‑sword, die‑by‑the‑sword type of day. But overall very pleased and looking forward to the weekend." Garcia and Watney were 8-under par on the difficult Bethpage Black through two rounds.
Watney is one of many PGA Tour and LPGA Tour pros who call the Las Vegas Golf Region home. Watney moved to Henderson, a Vegas suburb, a few years ago to he closer to his swing coach, Butch Harmon. The Butch Harmon School of Golf is located at Rio Secco Golf Club, a Las Vegas resort course. Click now for the official website of Rio Secco.
"Yesterday playing in the morning the greens were soft, and not nearly as fast as they were this afternoon," said Watney. "I felt like I didn't have a very good feel for long putts, which I left myself a couple six‑ to seven‑footers which are very difficult with how fast the greens are getting. That having been said, I made a few nice 10‑ to 15‑footers, which out here I'll definitely take. I think if I can work on my speed and get my long putts a little closer, my lag putts, then maybe I can eliminate some of the three‑putts."
Watney recently committed to the 2012 Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospitals for Children Open, Las Vegas' PGA Tour event. He will be joined by defending champion and fellow Las Vegas Golf Region resident Kevin Na among other locals. Quotes courtesy ASAPSports.com.