Aaron Baddeley taking advantage of PGA Tour start
Aaron Baddeley – file photo Bruce Young
Aaron Baddeley might not enjoy full playing rights on the PGA Tour anymore but after earning a start at the Butterfield Bermuda Championship courtesy via Monday qualifying, he has taken advantage by making a fine start to the US$6.5 million event.
Baddeley is one of five players just one shot from the leader, Ben Crane, at the halfway stage of the event in Southhampton, Bermuda, following up an opening round of 65 with a second round 64 at the Port Royal Golf Course.
Baddeley is delighted to get a start in an event given his now limited status restricts his opportunities.
“Yeah, with my past champion status, not really getting in much this fall. Just, yeah, wanted to make sure I could be here this week, so went down on Monday and got in, I birdied the first hole to get into the playoff. Game’s been feeling pretty good, so it was fun to play well these first two days. Reason to keep it going the next couple.”
Baddeley believes the work he has been doing with coach Mike Adams is paying off. “I started working with Mike Adams about a year ago, last October maybe started together. He’s just really simplified my swing.
“For the majority of my career that’s been the battle and I’d say this summer I hit the ball consistently, probably the most consistent I’ve ever done in my career and just didn’t make enough putts.
“Feel like I have the putting figured out again now and just sort of feel like everything’s sort of turning the corner. Feel like the confidence is back, just a matter of just getting some starts and go out and play. So it’s been great, Mike’s really been a huge help.”
Baddeley is the winner of four PGA Tour titles and more then US$22 million in his now 20 year career in the US but has struggled in recent seasons just to retain playing rights.
Sydney’s Harrison Endycott led after the opening round but lost ground with his second round of 70 in the low scoring event. he is, though, well enough placed in a share of 15th and only four from the lead in just his 4th PGA Tour event as a cardholder.
Cameron Percy 34th and Greg Chalmers 55th are the only other Australians to have made the weekend.
One of two players have yet to complete their rounds but will have no impact on the top of the leaderboard.
