Golf-PGA-Ogilvy stays positive despite stumbling finish

TULSA, Oklahoma, Aug 11 (Reuters) Australian Geoff Ogilvy was happy with his position after the US PGA Championship second round, despite tumbling out of a tie for the lead with bogeys on the last two holes.

The 2006 US Open champion, level with Tiger Woods at five under after 16 holes, had to settle for a share of third place on three-under 137 after carding a five-birdie 68 yesterday.

''I'm happy,'' Ogilvy told reporters after ending a sweltering day at Southern Hills Country Club three strokes behind the pacesetting Woods.

''If you asked me on the first day, three under would be a pretty good spot. I would say: 'Yes, that's pretty good'. I'm pretty happy.

''It's hard to talk to a guy after just splaying the last two holes,'' said the three-times PGA Tour winner after finding the right rough off the tee at the 17th and 18th.

''I'm a little bit annoyed but I'm happy where I am. If I hit a couple more fairways, I'm putting good enough that I think I can get a few birdie putts. I have to hit more fairways.'' Ogilvy, who has not won on the PGA Tour since claiming his first major title in last year's US Open at Winged Foot, charged into contention with four birdies in six holes on the back nine.

DREW LEVEL He got to four under by sinking a 15-footer at the 15th and drew level with Woods after rolling in a 25-footer at the 16th.

Asked if he felt threatened by Woods's perfect winning record when holding at least a share of the lead after 36 holes in major championships, Ogilvy replied: ''It makes it easier.

''You've got nothing to lose if you don't win. No one expects you to. If you do, you go out and do it. That's the way I look at it.

''You know you'll have to play well. He's the best front runner in history, probably.

''So you don't want him to get too far in front. If you've got someone to chase, maybe you play a bit freer. Maybe it's a good thing.'' Woods has triumphed seven times out of seven after going into the last two rounds of major atop the leaderboard. Ogilvy is pinning his hopes on history evening things out.

''He does pretty well when he leads off for two rounds and even better when he leads out for three rounds,'' the 30-year-old said. ''So I guess that is kind of ominous. But at some point he's not going to win.'' REUTERS BJR VC1001