Fowler’s early preparation in desert leads to share of lead
Rickie Fowler came to The American Express for the first time in six years to prepare for the next two weeks at Torrey Pines and TPC Scottsdale.
He’s ahead of schedule, shooting an 8-under 64 on Friday at PGA West’s Jack Nicklaus Tournament Course in La Quinta for a share of the secondround lead with Scottie Scheffler.
In position to make the trip over the hill to San Diego and Torrey Pines with his sixth PGA Tour title and first since Phoenix a year ago, Fowler set up shop last week at the nearby Madison Club after tying for fifth at Kapalua in the Sentry Tournament of Champions.
He played his final nine in 6-under 30, making a 6-foot eagle putt on the par-5 fourth, four birdies and two big par saves on Nos. 6 and 7.
“It’s always nice when you don’t give shots back, especially in a tournament like this where typically the scores are going to be on the lower side,” Fowler said. “Bogey almost feels like you’re giving two shots back.”
At 15-under 129, he had the lowest 36-hole score of his PGA Tour career.
Scheffler also opened with rounds of 65 and 64. The 23-year-old former University of Texas star is in his first season on the PGA Tour after winning twice and topping the Korn Ferry Tour Finals and overall points lists.
Andrew Landry was a stroke out of the lead after a 64. Tony Finau, at No. 15 in the world the top-ranked player in the field, made a big move with a 62. Finau was two strokes back at 13 under after the best round of the first two days. He played his final nine in 7-under 29.
ONE-ARMED GOLFER MAKES HOLE-INONE >> One-armed amateur Laurent Hurtubise recorded a hole-in-one during the opening round of a PGA Tour event in La Quinta. Hurtubise, who was born with one arm and started playing golf at age 11, aced the 151yard fourth hole at the PGA West Stadium Course during first-round action of The American Express on Thursday. Hurtubise, who is among the amateurs competing alongside the professionals in a pro-am competition this week, raised his arm skyward and threw his hat in celebration, exchanging high-fives with his group.
HENDERSON, INBEE PARK TIED FOR LEAD IN LPGA SEASON OPENER >> Canada’s Brooke Henderson parlayed four birdies and a late eagle into the day’s hottest round and a share of the lead at the LPGA’s season-opening Diamond Resorts Tournament of Champions.
Henderson had a 5-under 66 to join Inbee Park of South Korea at 9-under 133 heading to the weekend at Four Seasons Golf and Sports Club Orlando in Lake Buena Vista, Florida.
Only 22, Henderson is seeking her 10th LPGA victory.
KOEPKA STRUGGLES IN SECOND ROUND IN ABU DHABI >> Francesco Laporta earned a one-shot lead halfway through the Abu Dhabi (United Arab Emirates) HSBC Championship after carding a 9-under 63, while topranked Brooks Koepka struggled. The Italian moved to 10 under after two rounds. One shot behind were Matthew Fitzpatrick (67) and Rafa Cabrera Bello (68).
Koepka shot a 3-over 75 to drop to 3 under and into a tie for 35th. It’s
Koepka’s first tournament since October, when he aggravated a knee injury which caused him to miss the Presidents Cup.
Soccer
WOMEN’S OLYMPIC ROSTER FEATURES SEVERAL BAY AREA REPS >> New U.S. women’s soccer coach Vlatko Andonvski has called on five players with Bay Area ties to take part in qualifying for the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo.
Stanford alums Kelley O’Hara, Christen Press and Andi Sullivan join the 20-player team competing in the CONCACAF qualifying tournament from Jan. 28-Feb. 9 in Texas and California. Former Santa Clara star Julie Ertz and Menlo Park’s Abby Dahlkemper also are on the team that includes World Cup stars Megan Rapinoe and Carli Lloyd. Cal alumnus Alex Morgan, another U.S. standout, is pregnant but is expected to be available for the Tokyo Games that begin July 22 for soccer.
The United States opens the qualifying tournament Jan. 28 against Haiti and then plays Panama on Jan. 31.
Baseball
ROCKIES TO RETIRE WALKER’S NO. 33 >> The Colorado Rockies will retire Larry Walker’s No. 33 in a ceremony on April 19. His jersey will become the second to be retired by the club, joining Todd Helton’s No. 17. Walker, a five-time All-Star, was the National League MVP in 1997, when he hit a league-leading 49 home runs and added 130 RBIs.
College basketball
CRUTCHER’S 3 IN OT LIFTS NO. 13 DAYTON OVER SAINT LOUIS >> Jalen Crutcher hit a 3-pointer at the buzzer in overtime and finished with 21 points, lifting No. 13 Dayton (16-2, 5-0 Atlantic 10) to a 78-76 come-from-behind win over host Saint Louis (14-4, 3-2). Dayton rallied from a 12-point deficit midway through the second half to win its seventh straight.