Lowry and Maguire trailing in US
Shane Lowry shot a second successive 67 in The American Express but found himself even further off the lead on his 2024 debut in California.
The Offaly man followed three birdies in a row from the eighth with two more at the 15th and 16th at the Nicklaus Tournament Course at La Quinta but ended the day tied for 39th on 20-under, seven strokes behind US Ryder Cup star Sam Burns.
The American made two eagles and seven birdies in a bogey-free, 11-under 61 at the Nicklaus Tournament Course to set a new career low on the PGA Tour and lead by one stroke on 17-under from Michael Kim, who shot 63 at the same venue.
“Based off the scores, obviously everybody's shooting some good numbers, so I think just trying to keep pace and trying to hit as many quality shots and get as many looks as possible,” Burns said.
“I think the greens are really good around La Quinta, and here, and Stadium, so I think it comes down to being able to make some key putts.”
KH Lee shot 64 at the Nicklaus Course while reigning US Amateur champion Nick Dunlap (20) fired a seven-under 65 at the Stadium Course to move into a tie for third, just two shots off the lead on 15-under.
“Got the putter got hot early,” Dunlap said. “It was a little similar to yesterday, but, and, you know, Hunter kept reminding me, it doesn't really matter where the birdies come, whether that's early or late or wherever, just try to stay in the present, and if you're making birdies, just kind of roll with it.
“Drove it a lot better today. I think I hit the majority of the fairways.
“Obviously, it's a lot easier playing from there than the rough, and hoping for a tree bounces like I was yesterday sometimes. Obviously, played really nicely, and the putter was rolling pretty good all day.”
Justin Thomas lies tied 12th on 12-under after a 67 on the Nicklaus Course where world number one and reigning PGA Tour player of the Year Scottie Scheffler shot a 66 to trail Burns by six on 11-under.
At the LPGA Tour’s season-opening Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions, Leona Maguire shot a second successive level par 72 to share 23rd in the 35-strong field at Lake Nona, eight shots behind Lydia Ko, who shot 67, and Japan’s Ayaka Furue who signed for a 71.
They lead Scotland’s Gemma Dryburgh (68) and Mexico’s Gaby Lopez (71) by two strokes on eight-under.
