Hoffman maintains Houston Open lead as bad weather hits
American Charley Hoffman maintained a one-shot lead at the US PGA Tour’s Houston Open on Friday in the weather-hit second round.
Hoffman had four birdies and two bogeys in his two-under par 70 that put him on 10-under 134.
He was one stroke in front of American Jamie Lovemark, who carded a 68 for 135.
Americans Chez Reavie and Dustin Johnson were in the clubhouse on 136, Reavie posting a 70 and Johnson signing for a 71.
Johnson completed his round shortly before darkness halted play with 27 players still on the course, the result of a 90-minute morning delay because of thunderstorms.
Among those still to finish, Wales’ Jamie Donaldson and American Roberto Castro were eight-under for the tournament through 15 holes — tied for third with Reavie and Johnson.
World No.2 Jordan Spieth did little to build momentum for his Masters title defence next week.
Spieth was six adrift on 140 after a one-over 73 on Friday.
The US star, who was supplanted atop the world rankings by Jason Day on Monday, was in the water at two par-fives and struggled on the greens.
“I have to putt better,” Spieth said. “I’m losing a couple strokes to the field on putting and normally we’re gaining strokes.
“Inside 10 feet, I need to be solid and confident. I can’t get into a rhythm. I’m stepping off putts.”
Spieth, who teed off on No.10, made bogey on both of the front nine’s par-fives, hitting his tee shots on four and eight into the water.
“It just kind of really stinks to keep on making those mistakes,” he said.