Stuard takes one-shot lead at wet Zurich Classic
By Associated Press
Apr 30, 2016 6:53 PM CDT
Rickie Fowler reacts after sinking a birdie putt on the 10th green during the third round of the PGA Zurich Classic golf tournament at TPC Louisiana in Avondale, La., Saturday, April 30, 2016. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)   (Associated Press)

AVONDALE, La. (AP) — Brian Stuard completed his second straight bogey-free round to take a one-shot lead in the waterlogged Zurich Classic.

Stuard played just six holes Saturday, completing his second round with a 4-under 68 to reach 12 under at TPC Louisiana. Jamie Landmark and Jhonattan Vegas were tied for second. They finished the second round Friday.

The 33-year-old Stuard, winless on the PGA Tour, continued his steady play with two birdies Some players were able to begin the third round on Saturday before thunderstorms swept through the area, but the leaders haven't teed off.

Top-ranked Day was five strokes behind Stuard after shooting a 68 in the second round.

Rain delays have interrupted two out of three days of the tournament. More rain is forecast for Sunday.

PGA Tour tournament director Steve Carman said there is a small possibility that all four rounds of the tournament could be completed Sunday, but with more rain expected, a Monday finish is more likely.

"If we get any stoppage, then we'll be playing golf on Monday, provided the forecast and the golf course can support that," Carman said. "So, it's just really a wait and see position that we're in."

It's just the second time in Stuard's career that he's had the lead after 36 holes. He said the threat of impending rain won't affect how he plays when, or if, he's able to get on the course Sunday.

"I think you've just got to go out and play it one shot at a time and whatever happens, happens," Stuard said.

Lovemark and Vegas didn't play at all Saturday, getting some rest after a long Friday. Lovemark played 27 holes on Friday to jump into contention with a second-round 66. Vegas completed 30 1/2 holes and finished the second round with a 69.

Stuard, Lovemark and Vegas have a sizable jump on the rest of the field. Six players, including Charles Howell III, were four strokes back at 8 under.

Day was among a dozen players five shots behind Stuard. The Australian said the stop-and-start nature of the tournament can makes things difficult, but he's pleased with the way he's played through two rounds.

"You've got to try and stay in the right frame of mind mentally," Day said. "Try and keep yourself loose. Because there is a lot of sitting around, a lot of eating, and all that other stuff. But you've got to try and remind yourself that you need to stay sharp."

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