Brendan Steele posted a 1-under-par 35-36 — 71 Friday at The Players Championship in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, to tie for ninth place with several players still out on the course who could change that position. He currently stands five shots off the lead going into weekend play.

Thus far, the native Idyllwilder has gained strokes against the field in every Strokes-Gained category from Off-the-Tee to Putting.

Brendan tees off with Lucas Glover Saturday at 10:50 a.m. PDT.

Jack Clark can be reached at [email protected].