Aaron Baddeley contends in Florida
Aaron Baddeley – file photo Australian Golf Media
It has been quite some time since Aaron Baddeley contended in a PGA Tour event, with only one top ten in his last fourteen months, but at the halfway stage of the Valspar Championship at the Innisbrook Resort on the west coast of Florida, the now 43-year-old former Victorian finds himself just one off the lead.
Baddeley, who last victory of four on the PGA Tour came back in 2016, retained his status last year by finishing inside the top 125 in the FedEx Cup standings, added a second round of 70 in inclement conditions to be behind a group of five who lead.
Baddeley had the lead in the event until a messy double bogey at his 12th hole but did well to hold on with a run of six pars to finish off the day in conditions that became increasingly demanding.
“It feels like the game’s sort of right about there,” said Baddeley referring to his recent form.” Just need a little something just to kick it over the edge. Hopefully, today’s round sort of will be a nice little start for that.
“I feel a bit frustrated or disappointed when you don’t get in the mix, especially when you feel like the game’s sort of in a good spot, you’re like, come on, I want to get right in there. I think that’s what, that’s why I’m out here. I want to have a chance to win.”
One or two players were unable to finish their round but their efforts will not impact the leading standings when they finish their rounds early on Saturday morning US time.
Other Australasians in the field, Ryan Fox, Harrison Endycott and Min Woo Lee, will miss the cut.
