Australia’s Jason Day and American partner Cameron Tringale shot an eight-under-par 64 on Friday in modified alternate-shot play to reach 25 under 119 and increase their lead to three strokes in the Franklin Templeton Shootout.
Day and Tringale opened with a 17-under 55 on Thursday in the scramble round at Tiburon Golf Club.
The event will close on Saturday with better-ball play.
Graeme McDowell and Gary Woodland were second after a 63.
Defending champions Matt Kuchar and Harris English were third at 21-under after a 66.
Day was quite aware of how Kuchar and English did it in 2013.
“These guys played well last year, 34 under is a big margin,” Day said.
“So this is the format that you need to play well. You need to play this format because it’s very quick to lose your lead.”
That almost happened.
Charles Howell III and Scott Verplank were 19 under after a 64.
The teams if Keegan Bradley-Camilo Villegas (67), Billy Horschel-Ian Poulter (65) and Patrick Reed-Brandt Snedeker (65) were 18 under.
Snedeker, who shot a 10-under 62 in the alternate shot format with Davis Love III in 2012, had it going with Reed early. After a birdie on No.10, they were six under for the day, 17 under for the tournament and one shot behind.
While they cooled, Day and Tringale took off and quickly built the lead back to five shots. They had an eagle on No.6 and birdies on three, eight and 10.
Tringale said he didn’t see a scoreboard until No. 10 but doesn’t really watch them, anyway. Day said he’s just the opposite.
“I think if there were more boards out there, I would probably be watching because I tend to watch a lot more scoreboards than Cameron,” Day said.
Day thinks players will scale back on their aggressiveness off the tee today in a chance to catch up.
“I would expect a lot of guys, even if your partner is in play, because it’s always better to have two balls in play than just one,” he said.
Reed’s wife, Justine, watched some of the action as she recovers from a grand mal seizure Tuesday. The two shared a hug and kiss during the round.
“The doctor said everything was all clear so it was great to see her out here, it was awesome, taking a big weight off my shoulders,” Reed said.
