Fowler gives up lead but still only one back

After wasting little time warming up Thursday after a frost delay at TPC Scottsdale, the world No. 4 likes what he sees ahead of him.

On Wednesday, Watson, who finished runner-up in this tournament each of the last two years, was asked what he liked about the Tom Weiskopf design, which Weiskopf remodeled in 2014 to be longer and more hard for longer-hitting players like Watson. “Just tried to stay patient, fight through it. Nice to make a couple birdies coming in”.

Hideki Matsuyama, who has two top five finishes to his name in two starts in this event, is one shot further back in a share of 4th with Harris English and Ireland’s Shane Lowry.

Japan’s Matsuyama, who also teed off on 10, had five birdies in his first nine holes, including three in a row from the 15th through the 17th.

On his back nine, Mickelson bogeyed the par-3 fourth after hitting short and right and failing to reach the green with his second, and unraveled with a triple bogey on the par-4 fifth.

On the 12th hole, Maguire recorded his first hole-in-one as a professional on the 206-yard par 3. Cabrello-Bello shot his second 67 to reach 10-under 134 at the halfway stage of the tournament.

After a second consecutive 2-under 69 that has him on the verge of contention heading into the weekend, Watson maintained he still doesn’t – and never did – like the course, but that he comes for the unique atmosphere.

“I have a chance to go out tomorrow and put together a good round and put myself in a good position for Sunday”. “I don’t communicate very well”. 14 and 15, hitting a hybrid approach into the water on 15.

Bobcats have been known to hang around the area and have been spotted on the golf course before. Former Husky Nick Taylor (69) is tied for 61st at 1 under.

England’s Ian Poulter and two-time major champions Padraig Harrington are both certain to miss the cut at four over, although play was suspended due to bad light with several players still yet to complete their rounds.

Wayne’s Marina Alex did not make the cut. Brandt Snedeker, the victor Monday at Torrey Pines, was 4 under after a 71…. But he missed the cut in two of his past three tour starts.