Storm suspends Lincicome cut bid

NICHOLASVILLE, Ky. — Troy Merritt and Billy Horschel seized on the tight window of favorable weather to post impressive rounds before the sky eventually turned nasty.

The weather stoppage gave Brittany Lincicome her desired Saturday tee time, though the LPGA Tour player must overcome a huge challenge to extend it by making the cut and history in a PGA Tour event.

Overnight storms delayed the start of the second round Friday in the Barbasol Championship, and an afternoon thunderstorm suspended competition for good. The round will resume this morning with much of the field still to play.

The second stoppage at Champions Trace at Keene Trace Golf Club came 20 minutes before Lincicome’s scheduled tee time.

Lincicome was near the bottom of the field after opening with a 6-over 78 on Thursday. The first LPGA Tour player since Michelle Wie in 2008 to start a PGA Tour event, she needs a huge rebound to join Babe Zaharias (1945) as the only female players to make the cut.

Merritt meanwhile had the clubhouse lead at 15 under, following an opening 62 with a 67. Horschel is two strokes back, following Thursday’s 65 with a 66.

Beating the elements added urgency to their goals of playing well.

“It’s always a little bit tough out there to keep a rhythm when you know you could be pulled off the course at any time,” Merritt said.

Added Horschel, “I just wanted to get it done today.”

Richy Werenski and Tom Lovelady are tied for third at 12 under through 17 holes, with Werenski facing a 3-foot par putt on 18. Six-time PGA Tour winner Hunter Mahan was among a trio of players at 10 under. Hall of Famer Davis Love III posted his second consecutive 68 after previously shooting just three rounds in the 60s all year.

As those players rest and wait to see how the field comes together today — or if, considering more storms are forecast — Lincicome’s long-shot quest to make the cut will draw the most attention.