Sam Saunders, who fired a seven-under 64 at the Genesis Open on Thursday, officially became the first-round leader shortly before 9 a.m. Friday as the 48 players left on the course Thursday finished their rounds at Riviera Country Club.
But by 10:45 a.m. he had relinquished the lead to Jhonattan Vegas, who shot a four under 31 on the front nine of his second round of play. Vegas is eight under making the turn to the back nine.
PGA Tour officials are doing what they can to push along the second round before heavy rains from a storm sweeping Southern California settle in. Golfers can play in the rain, but the strong wind that is accompanying the storm likely will force officials to postpone the remainder of the second round until Saturday. Winds started to pick up around 10:30 a.m.
Tour officials haven’t said whether they plan to extend the tournament to Monday or if they believe play can be completed on Sunday. There are some tricks that can be employed, such as sending groups on both the first and 10th tees on the final two rounds. Normally, in the final rounds, everyone starts on No. 1.
On a sun-splashed day this week, Sam Saunders strode to the first tee at Riviera Country Club, looking for all the world like the other 142 professional golfers preparing for the PGA Tour’s only regular stop in Los Angeles.
He drove his first ball 300 yards from the course’s signature tee box 75...
On a sun-splashed day this week, Sam Saunders strode to the first tee at Riviera Country Club, looking for all the world like the other 142 professional golfers preparing for the PGA Tour’s only regular stop in Los Angeles.
He drove his first ball 300 yards from the course’s signature tee box 75...
Vegas birdied the first, fifth, sixth and ninth holes to get to eight under. Vegas’ four under for the day is the low score so far.
Saunders’ scheduled tee time is 1:45 p.m., but it’s unlikely that will take place.
Ben Crane, two under on the day after seven, and Jason Kokrak, two under after six, are both at five under. Dustin Johnson and J.T. Poston are also at five under but haven’t teed off yet.
There are 12 players at four under.
Sights and sounds from Saturday's Dodgers FanFest at Dodger Stadium.
Sights and sounds from Saturday's Dodgers FanFest at Dodger Stadium.
Sights and sounds from Saturday's Dodgers FanFest at Dodger Stadium.
Sights and sounds from Saturday's Dodgers FanFest at Dodger Stadium.
After a first half in which he played like that impostor in a Tom Brady mask, the New England Patriots quarterback put on a Super Bowl performance for the ages Sunday, leading his team back from a 25-point deficit to beat the Atlanta Falcons in overtime, 34-28.
After a first half in which he played like that impostor in a Tom Brady mask, the New England Patriots quarterback put on a Super Bowl performance for the ages Sunday, leading his team back from a 25-point deficit to beat the Atlanta Falcons in overtime, 34-28.
Chargers owners Dean and John Spanos talk about the team as it prepares to relocate to L.A.
Chargers owners Dean and John Spanos talk about the team as it prepares to relocate to L.A.
New Rams Coach Sean McVay talks about his vision for the team.
New Rams Coach Sean McVay talks about his vision for the team.
Lindsey Thiry and Nathan Fenno discuss the Chargers' announcement they are moving to Los Angeles.
Lindsey Thiry and Nathan Fenno discuss the Chargers' announcement they are moving to Los Angeles.
john.cherwa@latimes.com
@jcherwa
UPDATES:
10:55 a.m.: This article was updated with Jhonattan Vegas taking over the lead.
10:20 a.m.: This article was updated with details about Jhonattan Vegas moving up on the leaderboard.
This article was originally published at 10:05 a.m.
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