Saturday 21 February 2015 23:58, UK
South African Retief Goosen drained a 30-foot birdie putt at his final hole to take a one-shot lead at the halfway stage of the Northern Trust Open.
The 46-year-old failed to match his opening 66, which had given him a share of the first-round lead, but his one-under 70 proved enough to keep him at the top of the leaderboard due to the tough conditions at the Riviera Country Club.
The firm, fast-running layout made it difficult to get the ball close with approach shots, but Goosen scrambled well as he moved to a six-under total of 136 after 36 holes.
Goosen, who last won a title five years ago, bogeyed the 10th - his first hole - and 15th with his only birdie on the back nine coming on the 14th, but a flawless front nine saw him birdie the fifth before his “bonus” at the ninth.
"It wasn't a very good shot in there with a sand wedge into the green, but it's a tough hole there. Any time I birdie on that hole is good," he said.
"It's been such a long time since I've last been in contention.
"Who knows how my game is going to hold up? But I'm feeling good. My back is feeling great. So if the nerves can hold, just continue to make good golf swings and make a few good putts, who knows?"
Ryan Moore, his American compatriot Justin Thomas and Canadian Graham DeLaet are all hot on Goosen’s heels on five under after carding rounds of 68, 69, and 67 respectively.
Argentine Angel Cabrera (68) is in fifth place, just above a five-strong group on three under, which includes Englishman Paul Casey.
Casey carded a 69, one better than on Thursday, after starting his day off in perfect fashion with an eagle on the first hole.
American quartet Bubba Watson (69), Jordan Spieth (70), Derek Fathauer (73) and JB Holmes (69) are also just three shots behind Goosen heading into the weekend.
Fijian veteran Vijay Singh had shared the first-round lead with Goosen but he slipped four shots off the pace after a disappointing three-over 74 which left him on two under alongside Spain’s Sergio Garcia, who posted a 69.
England’s Luke Donald missed his third successive cut - by one shot after finishing on four over - despite a much-improved 69 following his opening-round 77.
Watch the third round of the Northern Trust Open live on Sky Sports 4 from 6pm on Saturday.
