David Hearn draws inspiration from Wayne Gretzky

PITTSFORD, N.Y. -- Should David Hearn follow up on his 4-under-par 66 Thursday and go on to win this PGA Championship, he still never will be the biggest name in his modest Canadian hometown. That is fine with him because he, too, is a big fan of Brantford, Ontario's famous native son, Wayne Gretzky.

"I've been fortunate to meet Wayne a bunch of times. The Gretzky family is huge in our town for obvious reasons, and Walter has been a great influence in the city, and is one of the most charitable guys you'll ever meet," said Hearn, who grew up five blocks from the Gretzky home.

Hearn's golf career took a big step forward when he reached a playoff at the John Deere Classic last month, losing to Jordan Spieth. Nine years ago, he won the Alberta Classic on what is now the Web.com Tour. Another highlight during his time on that circuit was his play in the Ford Wayne Gretzky Classic. He got to play with the host.

"It's just great to be around somebody like that, who has been that successful," Hearn said. "He's incredibly humble, too, for a guy that's been as successful as he has been."

Local pros

Mark Brown, the head pro at Tam O'Shanter Club in Brookville, shot 7-over-par 77. Danny Balin, the reigning two-time New York State Open champion at Bethpage Black, put himself in position to make the cut at the PGA for the first time by overcoming a double bogey on the first hole and finished with a 73.

Say that again

Kiracech Aphibarnrat of Thailand shot 2-under-par 68 and made a name for himself -- for a second time. He legally changed his name from Anujit Hirunratanakorn, reportedly for good luck, before he turned pro in 2008. He is known as Asia's John Daly.