JEJU ISLAND, South Korea – Brooks Koepka was recently named the PGA Tour player of the year for 2017-18.
The 28-year-old American gave himself the perfect opportunity to become the No. 1 player in the world for the first time when he shot a 7-under-par 65 Friday and moved within one shot of the lead in the CJ Cup at Nine Bridges.
The three-time major champion closed his second round with an eagle and was at 8-under 136 overall. Scott Piercy took the lead with a bogey-free 65.
First-round leader Chez Reavie (68) was in third at 138, and Alex Noren (6) and Ian Poulter (69) were another stroke back in fourth.
Koepka will move to the top of the World Golf Ranking on Monday if he wins the tournament and former No. 1 Justin Thomas, who is trying to repeat as tournament champion, does not finish any better than second. Thomas (70) was tied for 22nd at 1 under.