Justin Thomas takes two-shot lead into weekend at RBC Heritage

Justin Thomas followed his opening-round 61 with a 2-under-par 69 on Friday to maintain the lead through 36 holes at the RBC Heritage in Hilton Head Island, S.C.

Thomas' steady round featured four birdies and two bogeys, pushing him to 12-under 130 for the event after he tied the Harbour Town Golf Links course record Thursday. The two-time major champion is seeking his first victory of any kind since the 2022 PGA Championship.

Si Woo Kim of South Korea fired the round of the day, a 7-under 64, to leap into a share of second place at 10 under with Russell Henley (68). Kim stuck his second shot at the par-5 fifth hole to 5 feet and converted the eagle putt; he was 8 under through his first 12 holes but cooled off, making his only bogey at the par-3 14th.

Andrew Novak (65) and Englishman Tommy Fleetwood (66) are tied for fourth at 9 under. Scottie Scheffler settled for a 1-under 70, including all pars on the back nine, and is tied for sixth at 8 under with Canadian Mackenzie Hughes (66).

Major winners Collin Morikawa (66), Brian Harman (69) and Wyndham Clark (70) are part of a five-way tie at 7 under.

There is no 36-hole cut at the $20 million signature event. Among those struggling near the back of the 72-man field are Max Homa (even par), Sahith Theegala (1 over), Will Zalatoris (3 over), Canada's Adam Hadwin (4 over) and Nick Dunlap (7 over). Theegala was the runner-up to Scheffler at this tournament last year.

--Field Level Media