Wise takes three-shot lead at Honda Classic

>> Aaron Wise is making PGA National look easy.

Wise shot his second straight 6-under 64 on Friday to take a three-stroke lead into the weekend at the Honda Classic. The 128 total is the lowest 36-hole score at PGA National since the tournament moved there 15 years ago — and marks the first 36-hole lead of Wise’s PGA Tour career.

He had a pair of eagles to highlight the day, his first two of 2021. Brandon Hagy (62) and first-round leader Matt Jones (70) were tied for second.

Wise birdied the last to finish off the 64, the eighth round of 64 or lower surrendered by PGA National this week. Until this year, there’s never been more than seven rounds of 64 or lower in a Honda on that course; last year, no player even broke 66.

Wise made a 3-footer for a 3 at the par-5 18th, his ninth hole of the day, then connected on a 45-footer for eagle at the par-5 third.

“I’ve made so many bonus putts from outside 10 feet that I can’t complain,” said the 24-year- old Wise, the 2016 NCAA champion for Oregon.

Hagy didn’t even know he was playing in the tournament until it was almost too late to get a flight, getting in as the next-tolast alternate. He opened with a 69, then shot 62 — the fourth score that low in Honda history at PGA National — Friday.

Jones survived five bogeys to shoot even-par 70. Sam Ryder (63) was alone in fourth, four shots back at 8 under. Shane Lowry (66) was in a group at 7 under.

Jones (61), Wise (64) and Russell Henley (64) had the 64s or

better Thursday; Hagy, Ryder, Wise, Brice Garnett (64) and Stewart

Cink (64) had them Friday. Cink shot a 67 in his first Honda round at PGA National 12 years ago; he hadn’t been better than that in any of his 39 rounds there since, until Friday.

European Tour

Former Chico High standout Kurt Kitayama shot a 66 after his opening 67 and stands tied for sixth at the Kenya Open, two shots off the lead.

Korn Ferry Tour

Former Chico State standout Brandon Harkins carded a 1-over par 72 at the Louisiana Open and stands at 2 over, one stroke over the cut line and tied for 48th.