Justin Thomas Takes the Lead at RBC Heritage Amid Tough Conditions

Justin Thomas displayed his skill under challenging conditions at the RBC Heritage, finishing the second round with a 2-under 69, granting him a two-shot lead—his first lead after 36 holes in more than four years. Despite facing a drought since his last victory at the 2022 PGA Championship, Thomas remains focused on the task ahead, aware of the course's precision requirements and potential for low scores.

Si Woo Kim was the one who made headlines with an impressive performance, reaching 8 under through 12 holes before settling for a 64, leaving him just two shots behind Thomas. Alongside him, Russell Henley also kept close with a round of 68. Several players, including defending champion Scottie Scheffler, were within four shots of the leader, although Scheffler struggled with his positioning throughout his 70.

As the tournament heads into the weekend, players seem to be less stressed following the Masters, creating a wide-open competition. The day was not without its oddities, marked by a mystery involving four broken golf grips discovered outside the scoring trailer.

Towards the end of his round, Thomas found his rhythm, making crucial putts, especially on the par-5 15th where he maneuvered expertly around obstacles to secure a birdie. He is currently adjusting to new dynamics with caddie Joe Greiner, who is temporarily replacing his regular caddie due to an injury.

Kim, on the other hand, expressed his frustrations over missing the Masters, but focused on moving past it to perform well this week. His standout moment came with an eagle on the fifth hole, exemplifying his determination and skill as he compiled a series of birdies.

Scheffler faced some setbacks during his round, including a mud ball and a three-putt that marred his score. With consistent effort, he is determined to improve over the weekend, hoping to close the gap behind Thomas. Reflecting on his game, Thomas acknowledged his challenges and is now focusing on trusting his abilities to regain his winning form.