Ernie Els hauled himself into the top 10 on Friday with a two-under-par 68 in the second round of the Kaulig Companies Championship at Firestone Country Club in Akron, Ohio.
After his opening round of level-par 70 left him in a share of 15th, Els made five birdies and three bogeys to climb seven places into a share of 10th, five strokes off the lead.
Up from was New Zealander Steven Alker, whose five-under 65 gave him a one-stroke edge over Steve Stricker. Stricker had a second round of two-under 68 to relinquish the lead he held after the first round.
Retief Goosen had a level-par 70 in his second round, after opening with a three-over 73. At three-over for the tournament, he was in a share of 34th.
Els is seeking his third win of the 2024 season. In his first four appearances at the Kaulig Companies Championship, he has finished (chronologically) T5-5th-T3-T3.
