Tom Whitney shoots 70 in 2nd round at LQCC, sits at 8-under for the tournament

The PGA rookie, Tom Whitney shot eight under par on his second day at the American Express.

Starting on the back nine at La Quinta Country Club, Whitney started out hot birding his first two holes.

Dropping in the rankings tying at 62nd place, Whitney's performance at the 18th and 4th hole with a bogey and double bogeyed, respectively, was the reason he dropped.

He finished his day with a total of five birdies.

Whitney comes back to PGA West to play on the Nicklaus Tournament. He is scheduled to tee off at 9:03 a.m. on the front nine.

Stay with KESQ Sports for continuing coverage of the American Express throughout the week.

*Editor's note: Thursday's recap story below

Tom Whitney shot 66 in the first round of the American Express.

Playing at Pete Dye's PGA West Stadium Course, the hardest of three courses at the AMEX, Whitney is tied for 23th.

After Round One of @theamexgolf, Tom Whitney finished six under par for his PGA Tour debut. @KESQ @BlakeArthur24 pic.twitter.com/6TFQ6UgKFR

— Kenji Ito (@Kenjiitosports) January 19, 2024

He made eight birdies in the round, six of them on the back nine.

Competing at his second AMEX tournament and his first as a PGA Tour Member, Whitney felt as comfortable as ever.

"Yeah, I just have a little more a sense that I belong out here" Whitney said. "I've earned my way up through the rank and file on the Korn Ferry tour and yeah, a lot less nerves. I mean, I've been doing this for so long now, almost ten years as a professional. No matter what the venue is, you know, it's still the same game of golf.

Making his debut at 34 years old, Whitney is grateful for every opportunity that has come his way.

"Golf is basically what my perspective has shifted into" Whitney said. "I'm just grateful and blessed to be able to play this game for a living now."

Whitney is scheduled to tee off at 9:36am on Friday at La Quinta Country Club for his second round.

Stay with KESQ Sports for continuing coverage of the American Express throughout the week.