Bogey-free Rahm goes one stroke ahead in Northern Trust

NEW YORK: Top-ranked Jon Rahm, the reigning US Open champion, fired a bogey-free four-under par 67 to grab a onestroke lead after Friday’s second round of the US PGA Northern Trust tournament.

The 26-year-old Spaniard stood on 12under par 130 without a bogey through 36 holes at Liberty National in suburban New York at the first FedEx Cup playoff event.

It’s the first time in 110 starts in Rahm’s US PGA career that he has started 36 holes without a bogey.

“It’s nice to be bogey-free, but it’s not like it’s goal number one. Might be actually first time I go 36 holes bogey-free,” Rahm said. “The goal is to win a tournament and put yourself in the best position. If I had to choose, I would rather be leading than bogey-free.”

American Tony Finau was second on 131 after a 64 Friday with fifth-ranked Justin Thomas, Olympic champion Xander Schauffele and fellow American Keith Mitchell sharing third on 132.

The event is the first of three FedEx Cup playoff tournaments to crown a season points champion, with fields reduced to 70 next week and 30 for the Tour Championship at Atlanta in two weeks.

“It’s a trophy that a very select group of people are going to be able to put their name in. It’s one of those like in majors and great events like The Players to where we’re called upon and you have to show up and play good,” Rahm said of the Cup.