Rose, Bradley solid in round two

Justin Rose and Keegan Bradley came to TPC River Highlands with their games in much different states. Rose was obvioulsy riding a high from his incredibly solid 1-over performance for 72 holes in a win at treacherous Merion, while Bradley was 'bummin' (as he said) from his missed cut while paired with Phil Mickelson and Steve Stricker.

But golf is a game that tends to even itself out, and the two stars find themselves positioned similarly on this week's leaderboard through two rounds at TPC River Highlands.

After opening with a very respectable 67 considering his whirlwind last few days, Rose backed it up with a 68 that currently leaves him tied for 8th in Hartford, although afternoon birdies look to bump him out of the top ten as the day goes on. Bradley followed a 69 with a sizzling bogey-free 65 that included five birdies in a six-hole stretch around the turn, to currently place T6. The Vermont native, playing in his home region for the first time in 2013, estimates that the round could have been a '62 or 63,' but he is at least happy to be playing on the weekend, unlike at Merion.

Both players praised the course conditions in post-round interviews, saying the greens rolled true and that the weather was 'absolutely perfect' for golfing.

Throughout the week, players have made reference to the idea that the course is scoreable for those who are hitting it well but will play tough for those who struggle. So far, the concept has held true, with a host of 65s and 66s appearing on the scoreboard through the first two rounds (and a few lower scores), but some notables struggling mightily. Canadian Mike Weir, after making four consecutive cuts heading into the week, finished his two rounds at 6-over and will be packing his bags. 2009 U.S. Open Lucas Glover struggled mightily and continued his recent downward trend of play, making four bogeys and a double en route to a 74 and 9-over total. Local favorite Brad Faxon, a former champion at TPC River Highlands, just posted a 77 to miss the cut after an encouraging opening round 69. (Note: it's unfair to criticize Faxon, though, as the Champions Tour regular has struggled even on the senior circuit and likely only plays to honor home region nostalgia.)

Rose said he had a late start to his morning today and only had a half hour to warm up as a result. He didn't show it early on, going 3-under through his first ten holes before making a bogey and seven pars the rest of the way. He also made reference post-round to a nice conversation he had this week with 1970 U.S. Open champion Tony Jacklin, who was the last Englishman to win America's national championship prior to Rose.

As it stands now, Rose is five back of leader Bubba Watson, who is in the clubhouse at 10-under after backing up a Thursday 7-under 63 with a Friday 67 (first-round leader Charley Hoffman came undone with a 73, after a 61). Bradley is four back. Hunter Mahan has the best chance to catch or surpass Watson this afternoon, and is on the course at even for the day and 8-under total after two holes.