Huge six-foot long python stops PGA Tour in Malaysia before being removed from green
Snake handler forced into action as Justin Thomas carded a 66 to take two-stroke lead
THE PGA Tour came to a slithering stop in Malaysia on Friday when play was interrupted by a six-foot long python making its way across the course.
There has been plenty of wildlife sightings at the Klang Valley resort in Kuala Lumpur in the past, and once again golfers were put off their swing on day two of the 2016 CIMB Classic.
PGA officials were quick to spot the intruder – which was not hard due its size – and a snake handler was quickly on the scene to place the non-venomous serpent into a bag.
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Away from the wildlife drama and back to the golf, Justin Thomas carded a six-under 66 to claim a two stroke lead at the midway point.
He begun the second round in a three-way share of the lead with Keegan Bradley and Derek Fathauer after opening with 64.
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And he followed that up with a bogey-free round that contained six birdies to move 14 under – two clear of Asian Tour leader Anirban Lahiri.
Thomas, winner of his first PGA Tour title a year ago, was not happy with his wedges and iron shots in the second round of action, but he is hopeful of scoring some lows on the weekend at TPC Kuala Lumpur.
Thomas said: “The thing about this course, you can go shoot 12- or 13-under in a day so hopefully I can get it going a little bit this weekend like I did last year.”
Although hopefully not caused from the python, Thomas’ rivals are hoping to see him choke over the weekend.
Lahiri made eight birdies but still finishes with 66 after a double-bogey on his final shot on Friday to leave him 12 under.
Lahiri said: “Both yesterday and today I've played good - I think I played solid right through.
“It's just very disappointing to finish the way I did. Both days I think I left four or five shots out there coming in. I would have liked to be in a better position the way I've played, but it's not over yet.”
Hideki Matsuyama, Russell Knox and James Hahn were 11 under in a tie for third.