Rickie Fowler Rallies Back in Farmers Insurance Open

Playing in wet conditions on Friday in the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines in La Jolla, Murrieta native Rickie Fowler shared the low round of the day Friday (-7) with his playing partner Tiger Woods.

Fowler was at -2 for the tournament at the close of Friday, parring 11 holes and managing birdies on seven. This allowed him to survive the cut after going +5 in round 1.

"It was one of those feels, the swing felt that much better from yesterday...just was able to get into a little better of a rhythm and made some putts," Fowler said Friday in a taped interview about his recovery in round 2. "Playing along guys who are playing well and making birdies definitely helps the confidence keep rolling. It's good energy."

A local favorite who graduated from Murrieta Valley High School, Fowler's contingent of Orange-clad supporters were out in full force Saturday, but after several fog delays, round 3 was postponed due to the inclement weather.

Woods goes into Sunday in the lead after he was buoyed by six birdies and an eagle on the 18th hole Friday, leapfrogging defending champion Brandt Snedeker and K.J. Choi en route to a -7 under par 65.

Woods finished ahead of Billy Horschel, who is at -9. There is a group of six other golfers who sit at -8. Nick Watney leads a group of six other golfers at -7.

Playing the easier North Course on Friday, Woods struck the ball beautifully all day, and was able to take advantage on the slowed-down greens. His round was solidified during a four-hole stretch (17, 18, 1, 2 – He began the day on No. 10) where he shot -5.

"I hit good shots all the way," Woods said. "I hit a driver and a 5-iron to what, 18? I hit a driver and 8-iron to 1, and a driver and flip sand wedge to 2. So I didn't really miss a shot through that stretch."