61 by Merritt and a 62 by Spieth

at RBC Heritage Tournament

Troy Merritt doesn't have a green jacket – or a PGA Tour victory – but he did have one better than Jordan Spieth Friday during the second round of the RBC Heritage.
Merritt torched the back nine at Harbour Town Golf Links, going out in 7-under 28 en route to tying the course record with a 10-under 61. Merritt finished his day with four straight birdies, moving to 12 under for the tournament and taking a four-shot lead on the field at the end of his round. The record-tying showing came in the afternoon after 2015 Masters champion Jordan Spieth shot 62 in the morning to reach 6 under.
"It's all about tempo for me, and the tempo was really solid today," said Merritt to the Golf Channel following the round. "It was fun to roll the putts in and hear the crowd cheer."
The key for Merritt could have been a lucky charm. Merritt said that he tries not to take a ball out of play after making a birdie with it. His ball got beat up at the 12th hole, but he stuck with it and made six birdies in the remainder of his round.
After hitting an 18-footer for birdie at 15, Merritt stuck his approach shots within 7 feet on the final three holes and converted each of the putts. Merritt hit 13 greens in regulation and needed only 22 putts.
Merritt, a 29-year-old Boise State alumnus, is seeking his first PGA Tour win, although he finished second at the 2014 FedEx St. Jude Classic. What can he expect tomorrow?
"As long as I can break 61 on the front nine, (I'll be happy)" joked Merritt. "I just want to enjoy the moment, not think too much about the shots and add them up at the end of the day."

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