Americans Ryan Palmer and Charley Hoffman combined for a 10-under-par 62 in Saturday’s modified alternate shot format to grab a two-stroke lead after two rounds of the QBE Shootout.
The US duo fired a 56 in Friday’s scramble format to seize a two-stroke lead after the opening round at Tiburon in Naples, Florida.
They followed with 10 birdies on Saturday to keep their margin after 36 holes on 26-under 118.
Twelve pairs will compete in a four-ball format for Sunday’s final round of the annual invitational, played during a break in the PGA Tour schedule.
Americans Tom Hoge and Sahith Theegala combined for a second 60 to jump into second place on 120.
The event newcomers birdied five of the first six holes and five of six from the 11th through 16th holes before an eagle at the par-five 17th to finish with the day’s low total.
Australian Jason Day, the 2015 PGA Championship winner, and American Billy Horschel fired a second 61 to share third on 122 with the US duo of Matt Kuchar and Harris English.
English and Kuchar won the event in 2013, 2016 and 2020. Day won the 2014 Shootout with American Cameron Tringale.
© Agence France-Presse
