On a dramatic Friday at the RSM Classic, Andrew Novak took the 36-hole lead while Justin Lower faced the heartbreaking reality of losing his PGA Tour card.

THE BRUTAL REALITY AT THE CUTLINE

We break down the raw, emotional interview with Justin Lower after he missed the cut by two shots, losing his PGA Tour card. His journey from an NAIA school after family tragedy makes the moment even more poignant.

"This game is just really hard... For me to get four years out here, I don't know what to say really."

Lower was candid about the tour, admitting that while he loves it, "Are there some people that rub me the wrong way? Yes, absolutely."

DIAPERS, BIRDIES & A TWO-SHOT LEAD

In stark contrast, 36-hole leader Andrew Novak is playing with total freedom. After becoming a father two weeks ago, he fired a 65 to get to sixteen-under, riding a dominant stretch of six consecutive birdies.

He called new fatherhood a "huge advantage," joking that the main thing he's learned is "how to change a diaper."

The Wofford grad has a home-field advantage, living just a short drive from the course at Sea Island.

THE PACKED LEADERBOARD & THE 11-SHOT SWING

A trio of chasers made huge Friday moves, including Patrick Rodgers and local Greyson Sigg who both shot 62. Meanwhile, first-round leader Doug Ghim experienced the other side, carding a 71 after his opening 60.

The eleven-shot swing from Ghim (60 to 71) highlights the difficulty of backing up a career-low round.

Michael Thorbjornsen, just one shot back, is showing he's fully healthy after a mid-season bout with mono.

Quick Hits

Johnny Keefer's weekend push for a top-50 world ranking • Adam Hadwin & Sam Ryder survive the cutline drama • Can Greyson Sigg break the local "St. Simons curse"?

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.