Canadian golfer Roger Sloan surges into contention at Puerto Rico Open

RIO GRANDE, Puerto Rico — Canada’s Roger Sloan was one shot back of the lead after a windy second round at the PGA Tour’s Puerto Rico Open.

The 31-year-old from Merritt, B.C., shot a 5-under 67 on Friday to put him at 7 under for the tournament.  He was tied for fourth with Martin Trainer and Ben Crane, one shot back of American co-leaders D.J. Trahan and Nate Lashley and Mexico’s Roberto Diaz.

The highlight of Sloan’s round at Coco Beach Golf and Country Club was an eagle on the par-4 17th.

“Hit a three-wood down there,” Sloan told reporters. “We had 67 yards and, yeah, we just threw in a little 60-degree wedge. It landed nicely and it rolled and went in, so that’s pretty cool.”

Sloan is 143rd on the FedEx Cup rankings this season, with his best finish a tie for 12th at the Desert Classic. He has missed the cut at his past two events.

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“I’m not too concerned with all that,” Sloan said. “My job out here is to go out and hit one shot at a time and kind of take care of business. I learned a lot my first year on tour, so I’m applying all those lessons and making all those necessary adjustments for this year.

“I’m excited for the rest of the summer. The calendar year’s just kind of getting started. We’re almost here at the midpoint of the season, but I’m excited for the next few months. It’s going to be good.”

David Hearn of Brantford, Ont., shot a 73 and is tied for 19th at 3 under in the event that was cancelled last year because of Hurricane Maria.

Corey Conners of Listowel, Ont., Taylor Pendrith of Richmond Hill, Ont., Ben Silverman of Thornhill, Ont., and Adam Svensson of Surrey, B.C., all missed the cut.

Trahan birdied the final hole for a 5-under 67 and had seven birdies and two bogeys.

“When the wind’s blowing like this and a lot of these holes are crosswinds, you really have to pick your lines and just commit and make good, solid swings,” Trahan said. “I felt really good and I was also really committed to each and every shot.”

The 38-year-old player won the last of his two PGA Tour titles in 2008.

“Mentally and physically I’m on the upside of things,” Trahan said. “I was definitely down for a long time. My back was a big issue for me and I let that get to me mentally as well. I was really down on myself and I wasn’t thinking or acting appropriately. I was beating myself up.”

Also playing in the morning wave, Lashley had six birdies and two bogeys in a 68 to match Trahan at 8 under. He’s winless on the PGA Tour.

“The wind, it’s pumping pretty good,” Lashley said. “You’ve got to hit solid shots and hopefully catch a wind gust and then get it on the green and make some putts. You’ve got to stay consistent out there, get it in the fairways, get it on the greens. Otherwise, it can be a long day.”

First-round leader Andres Romero followed his opening 66 with a 73 to drop into a tie for 12th at 5 under.

The winner will receive a two-year exemption on the PGA Tour and an exemption to the PGA Championship, but won’t get an invitation to the Masters.

— With files from The Associated Press

The Canadian Press