Truckie, Calif. — Ryan Gerald stopped a 20-foot flop shot for a birdie on the final hole on Saturday for a lead share with Ricohoy at the Barracuda Championship, the only PGA Tour event that uses the revised Stableford scoring system.
“I was lucky to hit a great shot and found a hole,” Gerald said. “It’s pretty special. It’s a really good way to finish off a really good way. Hopefully it’s a good fortune for tomorrow.”
Players receive 8 points for double eagles, 5 points for eagles and 2 points for birdies. Bogeys are deducted points, while double bogeys are deducted three.
In the refreshing conditions of the Tahoe Mountain Club, Gerard had a 12-point round, with Hoey birding four of his last six innings on the 8-point day. Neither of them won the PGA Tour, but they surpassed 2021 winner Eric Van Rouyen.
“Continue to believe in yourself and see what happens,” Wheely said.
Gerald has been playing for six consecutive weeks. This started when the US opened and took me to Scotland last week.
“I love this golf course. I love playing in this area. I love playing golf,” Gerald said. “So I was at 2:30am on a Tuesday.”
The 25-year-old former Carolina, who was fifth in the event two years ago, finished 9th and 2nd in consecutive events in Texas in April.
Hoey, 29, was the leader of the second round. He was born in the Philippines, raised in California and performed at the University of Southern California.
“I struggled quickly, but my back got fire so I’m glad it ended like that,” Wheely said. “The putter was really cold, so I hoped it would get hot.”
South African native Van Luen eagled the third par 5 in the eight-point round.
France’s Tom Villant had two points back at 32 after a nine-point day.
“We’re just trying to stay as stable as possible and avoid mistakes,” Weilant said. “Keep the ball in the right place and stay patient.”
Hayden Springer and Vince Whalley scored 29 points.
Ben Martin, the first round leader with 16 points, had his second zero point round and fell into the tie in 55th place.
The tournament, which takes place on the other side of the British Open, is jointly approved by the DP World Tour. The winner will enter the PGA Championship, but not the Masters.