Goosen
moves one shot clear at challenging Riviera
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[February 21, 2015]
By Mark Lamport-Stokes
PACIFIC PALISADES, California (Reuters) -
South African veteran Retief Goosen, a twice former U.S. Open winner,
seized a one-shot lead at the Northern Trust Open on Friday in tough
conditions more reminiscent of a major championship.
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On a firm and fast-running Riviera Country Club layout where most
players struggled to get the ball close with approach shots, Goosen
scrambled well as he eked out a one-under-par 70 in the second
round.
The 46-year-old ended his day with an unexpected flourish, draining
a 30-foot birdie putt on his final hole, the par-four ninth, to post
a six-under total of 136.
That gave Goosen, who is seeking his first PGA Tour victory since
2009, a slender one-shot advantage over Americans Ryan Moore (68)
and Justin Thomas (69), and Canadian Graham DeLaet (67).
Burly Argentine Angel Cabrera, like Goosen a double major champion,
was alone at four under after carding a 68.
![](http://archives.lincolndailynews.com/2015/Feb/21/images/ads/current/sunloan_bch_021315.png) "I didn't hit the ball as good as I hit it yesterday definitely,"
Goosen, who has been struggling for full fitness since having back
surgery in August 2012 to repair a damaged disc, told reporters.
"Today was a little bit of scrambling with everything really but I
got it up and down quite a few times, and that kept the round going.
"The rough is thick in places. The greens are definitely becoming
U.S. Open-style. They are getting firmer and quicker. Some of these
holes, if you get away with a par, it's a good score."
Goosen, a seven-times winner on the PGA Tour who clinched the U.S.
Open in 2001 and 2004, has not triumphed on the circuit since the
2009 Transitions Championship.
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DeLaet, still hunting his first PGA Tour victory after being a
runner-up on three occasions, was delighted with his position
heading into the weekend at one of his favorite venues.
"I played well, I really putted well," said the 33-year-old from
Saskatchewan. "For the first two days, I haven't been striking it
quite as well as I expect of myself. But a hot putter will always
keep you in there.
"This is one of my favorite courses on tour and I'm right where I
want to be."
Masters champion Bubba Watson, who won last year's Northern Trust
Open, was three strokes off the pace after carding a 69.
The cut fell at three-over 145 with former world number ones Ernie
Els, Fred Couples and Luke Donald among those failing to advance.
(Editing by Frank Pingue/Andrew Both)
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