The PGA Tour’s The American Express golf tournament heated up in Friday’s second round, as Charley Hoffman and Rico Hoey charged into a share of the lead. The Southern California natives fired matching 9-under 63s on the Nicklaus Tournament Course to reach 16-under par at the midway point.
Hoffman, a 48-year-old veteran seeking his first win since 2016, eagled two par-5s to offset a pair of bogeys in his eventful round. The four-time PGA Tour champion won this event back in 2007 and is feeling rejuvenated this week in the Palm Springs area.
The competition is fun. I like walking down the fairways and guys are like, ‘How old are you?’ (I say) ‘I’m 48,’ and they sort of give you a look, like, what, you’re 48 out here still playing?
Charley Hoffman
Hoey, Fowler Among Chasers
Hoey, a 32-year-old in his second full season on Tour, matched Hoffman’s 63 to join him atop the leaderboard. The USC alum is seeking his first PGA Tour victory and relishes competing on the courses he played growing up.
Rickie Fowler headlines a star-studded group of chasers after carding 10 birdies in a second-round 62. The fan favorite sits three shots back at 13-under, tied with Justin Thomas and Sony Open winner Nick Taylor.
- Jason Day and J.J. Spaun are lurking at 14-under
- Round 1 leader J.T. Poston stumbled to a 76, falling off the pace
- Patrick Cantlay, Will Zalatoris among notables at 12-under
The American Express features a three-course rotation, with golfers yet to tackle the more challenging Stadium Course at PGA West. How the leaderboard stacks up after that test will be telling heading into the weekend.
With big names in pursuit and rising stars leading the way, The American Express is shaping up for a compelling finish in the Southern California desert. Will a wily veteran like Hoffman hold off the hard-charging next generation? Moving day awaits at this thrilling early-season PGA Tour stop.
