Happy memories spur Cam Davis on at PGA tournament
The Rocket Mortgage Classic evokes special memories for Cam Davis, who is three strokes off the pace and right in the mix midway through this year's edition.
The tournament is close to the heart for the 29-year-old Australian, whose only victory on the PGA Tour came at the event three years ago.
Davis gave himself another chance at victory on Friday, calmly posting a six-under 66 to go with his opening 68 to be 10 under.
He is poised in a tie for seventh, among a posse of challengers in pursuit of joint leaders Akshay Bhatia (67) and Aaron Rai (65) at 13 under.
Going through his paces during practice at the scene of his treasured triumph, Davis recalled some fond memories.
"I do practice rounds, I still go around and think, 'Oh, this is where I hit a great shot and this is where I won it and this is where I holed something'," Davis said.
"Once the tournament starts, it's so different. You don't really start thinking about that unless someone points it out to you.
"I've done my appreciation back early in the week and it's (time to) get back to business and try and enjoy the journey again."
World No.67 Davis is enjoying the trajectory he is on and thriving in the familiar surrounds and environment of the Detroit Golf Club.
"It does help being comfortable here," he said.
"Having what I know, what game plan does work around here, so that's a mystery that I don't have to deal with ... (like) every other event for me."
Min Woo Lee, who will be making his way to the Olympic Games in Paris with the Australian team, is also in the mix at eight under after stringing together a pair of 68s.
The 25-year-old, who had six birdies and a double-bogey, has enjoyed the spotlight playing with co-leader Bhatia and is feeling good about his game.
"We're good friends. It's nice to ... play with a friend," he said of his US rival.
"Everything's pretty good. I don't think there's much wrong right now, I'm doing everything well.
"Just don't make doubles (and) we'll be all good."
Englishman Rai birdied his last two holes to complete a seven-under 65 and tie with Bhatia.
The duo have a two-stroke advantage over four players at 11 under: US trio Cameron Young (66), Taylor Montgomery (68) and Troy Merritt (64), and South Africa's Erik van Rooyen (64).
The 22-year-old Bhatia enters the weekend seeking his third win in less than 12 months.
After his breakthrough victory at the Barracuda Championship last July, he captured the Valero Texas Open in April.
The 29-year-old Rai has two career wins on the DP World Tour.
