SAN DIEGO – After holding a share of a lead for the first time in his 425th career round on the PGA Tour, Sam Ryder shot 4-under 68 on Thursday at the South Course at Torrey Pines to claim his first solo lead at the Farmers Insurance Open.
“It’s kind of why we play, so just trying to look around and enjoy the moment,” he said.
Ryder has had a knack for keeping his card – six straight years running – but is winless in 147 starts with a pair of runner-up finishes.
Ryder’s second-round 68 on the tougher South Course lifted him to a 36-hole total of 12-under 132 and three strokes better than fellow playing competitor Brandon Steele. It ties the largest 36-hole lead this season on Tour.
On a typically sun-drenched day, blustery conditions created indecision at every turn for the field of 156.
“We knew today was going to be like a put your helmet on and kind of get ready for a battle,” Ryder said.
Seventy-four golfers shot even-par 144 or better to make the cut.
Farmers: Friday tee times, how to watch | Odds, leaderboard
Tano Goya dresses for success
Tano Goya hits his tee shot on the 12th hole during the second round of the Farmers Insurance Open golf tournament at Torrey Pines Municipal Golf Course – North Course. Mandatory Credit: Ray Acevedo-USA TODAY Sports
The Argentine rookie golfer fired a 5-under 67 at the North Course on Thursday, tied for the low round of the day on either course. He was looking dapper as usual along with his caddie Facundo Delapenna. The pair wear matching outfits, although the cool weather had their colorful polos covered by windbreakers.
“We started working with Full Wedge company last year on the Korn Ferry and they’re great shirts. Funky, sometimes they’re quirky shirts. At the beginning, started thinking about which one we were going to wear and just not to match, but at some point we were like, why don’t we just match and we can make something out of it,” said Goya, who is seeking his first top-25 finish this…
