Chris Kirk took seven months off last year to deal with alcoholism and depression, but he’s back.
The 35-year-old Kirk, who won on the Korn Ferry Tour two weeks ago, shot 7-under-par 65 and is tied for the lead with sixth-ranked Webb Simpson midway through the Rocket Mortgage Classic at Detroit Golf Club.
“It’s just great to be out here competing again,” said Kirk (pictured), who has won four times on the PGA Tour, but not since the 2015 Crowne Plaza Invitational at Colonial. “But there are bigger and better things than this, and it’s great to be in a better place and loving life.
“I feel like I am just sustaining the momentum from St. Augustine (where he won The King & Bear Classic two weeks ago). I’m really happy with the way I am playing and just want to keep making birdies.”
Kirk collected eight birdies on the first 12 holes, including a hole-out from the sand and another from the rough, held a two-stroke lead before making his only bogey at the 18th hole while posting a 36-hole score of 12-under 132.
Simpson, who claimed his seventh PGA Tour victory his last time out in the RBC Heritage—also two weeks ago—made three of his eight birdies down the stretch to catch Kirk with his 64.
“I didn’t take advantage of a couple of the par-5s, which was disappointing,” said Simpson, who won the 2012 U.S. Open at the Olympic Club in San Francisco. “That was kind of a bummer and I hope to turn that around the next couple days.
“However, I made birdies on several of the par-4s, made some nice putts. I’ve been trying to get better and have been seeing good results and having fun. I’m happy to be playing well and to have a chance on the weekend.”
Tenth-ranked Bryson DeChambeau of Clovis, who has placed in the top 10 in six straight events, birdied four of his last eight holes while finishing a bogey-free 67 on the back nine, and is one stroke back in a tie for third with Matthew Wolff (64) of Agoura Hills, Seamus Power (66) of Ireland, Ryan Armour (64), Mark Hubbard (66) and Richy Werenski (66).
First-round co-leader Kevin Kisner slipped with a bogey on the last hole to shoot 69 and is two shots behind in a tie for ninth with Sepp Straka of Austria, who made three birdies on each nine in a bogey-free 66.
Defending champion Nate Lashley made two straight birdies on the back nine to move inside the cut-line, but carded a bogey on the last hole to miss the cut by one stroke at 71-69—140, while seventh-ranked Patrick Reed totaled 70-72—142 to miss the weekend by two shots.
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