golf roundup | Friday’s events

PGA Honda Classic

PALM BEACH GARDENS, FLA.

Ryan Palmer has reason to believe that better days are ahead, with his golf game and at home. Palmer made seven birdies Friday on another day of ideal scoring conditions at PGA National for a 5-under 65 that gave him a share of the lead with PGA Tour rookie Wesley Bryan (67) going into the weekend at the Honda Classic. Rickie Fowler was a shot back after his second 66, and Anirban Lahiri was another stroke behind after a 68. Starting a new year packed with uncertainty over matters far more important than golf, Palmer returned from a four-month break and missed the cut in his first four events. He signed up for Riviera only because his game needed work, and he saw enough go right to find some momentum going into Florida. The long break was to be at home with his wife, Jennifer, who is recovering from breast cancer. Palmer said he kept his swing in good shape during the time off. The problem was his putter. “The greens, all hell broke loose — the nerves, anxiety right hand. I spent four weeks going through that,” he said. The cut was at even-par 140, matching the highest cut since the Honda Classic moved to PGA National in 2007. Among those missing the cut was Shawn Stefani, but not without doing all he could. One over the cut line with four holes to go, he drove into the water on No. 6, stripped down to his underwear and blasted out to the fairway. He still made bogey.

LPGA Thailand

CHONBURI, THAILAND

Heavy washed out most of the play in the LPGA Thailand. Play was called for the day at 3:45 p.m., and 13 players didn’t start the second round, including leaders Ariya Jutanugarn of Thailand and Amy Yang of South Korea. Jutanugarn and Yang each shot 6-under 66 on Thursday at Siam Country Club’s Pattaya Old Course.

Joburg Open

JOHANNESBURG

England’s Paul Waring topped the Joburg Open leaderboard at 12 under after 12 holes of the second round when play was suspended because of darkness. Waring was playing Royal Johannesburg and Kensington’s par-71 West Course after opening with a 6-under 66 on the East Course, the site of the final two rounds. South Africans Darren Fichardt and Dean Burmester were 11 under. Fichardt shot a 66 on the East Course. Burmester had three holes to play.

Associated Press