PGA Tour: Charley Hoffman and Rico Hoey share lead at American Express in California | Golf News
Charley Hoffman and Rico Hoey shot two 63s to take the halftime lead at The American Express at La Quinta Country Club in California.
Hoffman birdied five of his final seven holes at the Nicklaus Tournament Course – one of three used for the event – while Hoey made eight birdies in 10 from the fourth hole on the same layout.
Hoffman, who had two eagles in his round, is aiming for his first PGA Tour victory since 2016 after persistently battling back problems in recent years.
“Three years ago I wasn’t very healthy and I wasn’t a particularly good golfer,” Hoffman said.
“At this moment I feel good. Like I said, I could wake up in the morning and feel completely different.”
“When I’m healthy and the weather is warm, I feel like I can beat anyone in the world. If it’s cold and my back doesn’t feel good, I don’t think I can beat anyone in the world.”
Hoey added: “For me, this is my second year on tour, so I’m still pretty impressed with a lot of these guys, Hoffman, Cantlay, Rickie and so on.”
“For me it’s really cool to just get my name out there and just keep up with them, so that’s all I’m trying to do.”
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The pair lead the leaderboard at 16 under par, one ahead of Austrian Sepp Straka, American Mark Hubbard – who both shot 64s on the Pete Dye Stadium course – and compatriot Justin Lower.
Australian Jason Day and American JJ Spaun are a little further back, followed by a 13-under par group that includes Nick Taylor, winner of last week’s Sony Open, and Rickie Fowler, who shot a 62 on the Nicklaus course.
Watch the third round of The American Express live on Sky Sports Golf on Saturday at 7pm. Stream PGA Tour, Majors and more NOW
