Cameron Smith builds 4-stroke lead at LIV Bedminster

8/12/2023 8:19:20 PM EST

Australian Cameron Smith shot a 4-under-par 67 on Saturday to stay atop the leaderboard after two rounds of action at LIV Golf Bedminster in Bedminster, N.J.

Smith, who led Charles Howell III by just one stroke following the first round, racked up seven birdies on Saturday to open up a four-stroke advantage on Phil Mickelson and South Africa's Dean Burmester. Smith currently sits at 9-under 133 at Trump National Golf Club.

Mickelson shot 67 while Burmester carded a 68.

After his double bogey at the par-4 third hole, Smith settled down. He was perfect aside from his bogey at the par-3 14th while ending his round by tallying birdies on five of the last seven holes.

"Yeah, probably had to dig a little bit deeper (Saturday)," Smith said. "It was still nice with the longer stuff, but it wasn't as good as (Friday). I think particularly through the middle of the round there a few sand saves to keep the momentum going was good."

Burmester also finished strong, sinking birdies on three of his last four holes to stay in striking distance of Smith.

"Yeah, I mean, who knows what can happen (Sunday). You've got to go out and win this thing," Burmester said. "It's not going to be given to you, even on this golf course, so four shots can be over in four holes pretty quickly."

Anirban Lahiri of India carded the low round of the day with a 7-under 64 to move 28 spots up the leaderboard into a tie for fourth. He posted a pair of bogeys but combatted them with nine birdies. Patrick Reed (70) and Bubba Watson (69) also sit in fourth.

"I've just got to stay focused on every shot," Watson said. "Any shot can be death, so you have to just stay focused and committed and realize you're doing the right things and you're playing the ball in the right positions and stick to it."

South Africa's Branden Grace is in sole possession of seventh place after shooting a second-round 69.

Mexicans Carlos Ortiz (70) and Abraham Ancer (71) find themselves in a five-way tie for eighth that also includes Kevin Na (69), Jason Kokrak (71) and Marc Leishman of Australia (69).

Howell struggled on Saturday, dropping 11 spots on the leaderboard after his 3-over 74. He now sits T13 with Talor Gooch (70).

Stinger GC and Ripper GC sit atop the team leaderboard at 11 under in the team competition. RangeGoats GC is in third, four strokes off the lead.

--Field Level Media

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