HOUSTON Tony FinauHe finished his first round with a string if birdies, and continued the momentum into Friday. He made 10 birdies to match his career lowest with an 8-under score of 62 to take a huge lead in the Houston Open.
Finau was at its best in the final round of Memorial Park, where he finished with three consecutive birdies. Finaus last shot from light rough, left of the 18th fairway, was still good enough to check up at 4 feet.
He was at 13-under, 127 and four shot clear of Patrick Rodgers(63) among the early starters.
Alex NorenPart of the three way tie for the 18 hole lead was at 8 under. There were still three holes to play, when bad weather halted play for Friday. When play resumed Saturday, Noren was facing a 40 foot eagle putt. Masters champion Scottie SchefflerAlso, he was in the late wave and was 5 over through 13 holes.
Thunderstorms, gusts that halted play, and other elements of a system expected to shift towards a northerly winds and drop temperatures by around 20 degrees this weekend.
To account for the weather, several tee boxes had their pin positions adjusted. Finau and other early starters were able to enjoy relatively calm conditions, so he knew Friday morning was the best time to score. He did exactly that.
They put the tee boxes where we could take advantage of them. Finau stated that we got the better wave. Thirty six holes is a lot of golf, and its more difficult to score with the north wind. But Im looking forward the challenge.
Finau has had a score of 62 four times previously, most recently at The Canadian Open this summer.
Rodgers made his second shot to within 2 feet on Rodgers par-5 third hole. He started on his back nine, for an eagle. He finished with two birdies for his score of 63.
He was in contention late in the wind-blown Bermuda Championship two week ago, and tied for third in his quest of finally winning on the PGA Tour. Rodgers was part of the elite when Stanford left him a decade ago. He grew-up in the same junior clubs as Rodgers. Jordan Spieth Justin Thomas.
Its a fine-line out there. It takes patience. Rodgers stated that he cannot force a win on this tour. He also said that he cant control the conditions or breaks or what anyone else does. I can always back myself if I do a good job at focusing on what is within my control and not getting lost in the playing process.
Finau shot 30 on Memorial Parks front nine on Thursday afternoon. He finished with a 35-foot birdie. Finau returned to the course 12 hours later and rolled in a par-saving 15 footer on No. He also posted 30 more on the front nine.
Finau stated, I finished 5 over on my last nine yesterday. I just rolled that momentum right into this day. I thought that I made a big putt for Par on No. I was a little off the pace after I hit No. 1. I almost made a hole for No. 2 and just kinda cruising from there. It was a great round of golf.
