Bear Trap costs Scott at PGA Honda Classic

Feb 25, 2017 - 12:03 AM A late Friday stumble on PGA National's notoriously difficult Bear Trap stretch has robbed Adam Scott of momentum on day two of his Honda Classic title defence.

The world No.7 climbed up the leaderboard during the second round before dropping three shots across the 16th and 17th holes to sign for a one-under-par 69.

Scott's three-under total at the US PGA Tour's West Palm Beach, Florida event leaves him six shots adrift of the lead at nine under, set by Americans Ryan Palmer and Wes Bryan.

Superstar Rickie Fowler surged up the leaderboard with a pair of 66s, and the world No.14 sits alone in third at eight under.

Scott, the 2016 Honda Classic champion, shares leading Australian honours at the 36-hole mark with compatriot Marc Leishman in a tie for 17th.

The 36-year-old Scott lamented a series of bad breaks on the testing three-hole Bear Trap stretch, which begins at the 15th hole.

"They're just brutally difficult holes; you need everything going your way when the wind's blowing," said Scott.

"I hit a good tee shot on 16 but it just caught the bunker and didn't get a great lie, and then I was in between clubs on 17 today which is a tough decision."

But Scott - who was only two shots better at the same stage during his win last year - is confident he can claw back into contention.

"With two good scores, I know I can be near the lead come Sunday," he said.

"It's very hard to run away with on the weekend here."

Another obstacle for Scott has been the onslaught of a head cold that the Queenslander admits limited his preparation.

"I've still got a head cold. Thursday I didn't feel well at all," said Scott.

"It's been a tough couple of weeks to get into a rhythm with weather delays (at Los Angeles' Genesis Open), then a couple days of jetlag and now a head cold.

"I haven't been able to practice as much as I want and it's a little frustrating."

Greg Chalmers rallied late on day two to finish a shot inside the even-par cutline with his one-under total.

The Australians who missed the cut were John Senden (three over), Brett Drewitt (five over) and Steven Bowditch (seven over).

Source: AAP