SAN DIEGO – In-form American Bill Haas, just five days after losing out in a playoff for the Bob Hope Classic, charged into a two-shot lead at the Farmers Insurance Open on Friday. Taking advantage of another glorious day of sunshine on the southern California coastline, Haas fired a sparkling six-under-par 66 on the ultra-long South Course for an 11-under total of 133.
The 28-year-old piled up four consecutive birdies around the turn before finishing the second round two ahead of compatriot Anthony Kim, who carded a 67 on the South layout. Three-times champion Phil Mickelson, making his first start on the 2011 PGA Tour, was a further stroke back in a tie for third at eight under after carding a 69 on the North Course.
Level with Mickelson were fellow Americans Bubba Watson (65), Rickie Fowler (71), John Daly (69), Hunter Mahan (67) and defending champion Ben Crane (66), plus Swede Fredrik Jacobson (69). Six-times winner Tiger Woods, competing in his first event of the year, briefly closed to within two of the lead before slipping back after the turn to end the day with a second successive 69, five off the pace.
Haas will be keeping a close eye over the weekend on Mickelson, who lives in nearby Rancho Santa Fe and has always enjoyed a huge comfort level at Torrey Pines. The American left-hander birdied his last two holes on the shorter North layout and was delighted with his position going into the final two rounds.
