Mickelson Not As Sharp, Still Leads at La Quinta
Saturday, January 19, 2019

    He couldn't come close to repeating Thursday's round, but Phil Mickelson played well enough - except for one hole - to retain his lead Friday in the Desert Classic played over three courses at La Quinta. 

    After making 10 birdies and an eagle in his round 1 60, Phil made six more birdies in round 2 on the Nicklaus Tournament Course. But a double bogey six on the par-4 ninth left him with a 4-under 68, a total of 16-under 128, and a two-stroke lead over Curtis Luck (64-66-130). Adam Hadwin (65-66-131) and Steve Marino (66-65-131) are deadlocked for third at 13 under. 

    There was no cut after 36 holes since every player must finish three rounds - one over each of the three courses in play - before half the field is sent to the sidelines. That comes after today's play, with Phil moving to the Stadium Course, where all those still standing will play on Sunday. 

    Gator: Brian Gay - 71-72-143, 1 under, tied for 127th and in trouble. Seminoles: Daniel Berger - 67-67-134, 10 under, tied for 11th; Hank Lebioda - 70-70-140, 4 under, tied for 90th. Dominic Bozzelli, who spent a week at the home of the Caseys at Golden Hills during the FSGA event several years ago, is 8 under and tied for 28th.  

    The Tour moves to San Diego for the $7.1 million Farmers Insurance Open next week and the field is loaded. Tiger Woods makes his return to Torrey Pines, one of his favorite venues, after a layoff since winning the Tour Championship, but Ted Potter will take another week off. 

    To pinpoint how difficult it is to retain one's exemption on the PGA Tour year after year, J. J. Henry is the third alternate. 

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