PGA TOUR: Charlie Hoffman, Rico Hoy leads American Express in California. Golf news
Charlie Hoffman and Rico Hoy shot a pair of 63s to take the halfway lead at The American Express at La Quinta Country Club in California.
Hoffman birdied five of the final seven holes on the Nicklaus tournament course – one of three used for the event – while Hoey carded eight birdies in 10 holes from the fourth in the same setting.
Hoffman, who has two eagles in the round, is chasing his first PGA Tour win since 2016 after battling back problems in recent years.
“Three years ago I wasn’t very healthy and I wasn’t a very good golfer,” Hoffman said.
“I feel great right this second, like I said, I can wake up this morning and feel completely different.
“When I’m healthy, it’s warm, I feel like I can beat anyone in the world. When it’s cold and my back feels good, I don’t feel like I can beat anyone in the world.”
“For me, this is my second year on the tour, so I’m still in awe of Hoffman, Cantley, Ricky and many of the other guys,” added Hoey.
“For me, just getting my name out there and being with them is a great thing, so that’s all I’m trying to do.”
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The pair lead the leaderboard at 16, one clear of Austria’s Sepp Straka, American Mark Hubbard – who both had 64s on the Pete Dye Stadium course – and compatriot Justin Tach.
Australia’s Jason Day and American JJ Spahn are a shot back, followed by a group of 13th-ranked Nick Taylor, who won last week’s Sony Open, and Rickie Fuller, who carded a 62 on the Nicklaus Course.
Watch the third round live from American Express on Sky Sports Golf at 7pm on Saturday. Release the PGA Tour, majors and more now