LOS ANGELES (AP) – Rory McIlroy was leaving the scoring area when he looked over at a TV screen that was showing highlights of his round.
There were a couple of three-putt bogeys (one from just off the green) to go along with five birdies in his round of 2-under 69 that left him satisfied. It wasn’t his best, though he still was only four shots behind Jason Kokrak. Right before leaving the room, Golf Channel posted a chart that showed McIlroy has more comeback victories (six) after 36 holes than anyone since 2010.
“There you go,” McIlroy said with a smile. “That’s a good stat.”
That’s how the weekend is shaping up at Riviera. Kokrak birdied all the par 5s with his power and shot 7-under 64 to build a one-shot lead over Chez Reavie, who had a 67. Kokrak will be going for his first PGA Tour victory, which looks to be a long way off considering the tournament is only at the halfway point.
Even with Jordan Spieth missing the cut, there is plenty of star power – and simply power – lined up behind Kokrak.