Crane Stays Hot in Weather-Delayed St. Jude Classic


Ben Crane continued his fine play in Memphis. The 38-year-old from Portland, Ore., followed up his opening 7-under 63 on the TPC Southwind course with a 65 and now stands at 12-under 128 in the PGA Tour's $5.8 million FedEx St. Jude Classic.

For the second straight day of the tournament, play was suspended due to rain and lightning. After an hour suspension because of lightning, play could only resume for 13 minutes before another stoppage.

Like Thursday, fans were sent home and the round was halted altogether just before 5 p.m. The second round will resume Saturday at 7:00 a.m. before the start of the third round.

After posting seven birdies Thursday, Crane, a four-time Tour winner, tacked on five more, along with his first bogey of the tournament.

Crane admitted yesterday that this year has been a "struggle." He still sounded somewhat baffled by his play so far this week. "I certainly didn't expect to be here," he told PGATour.com.

Added the affable Crane, known as much for his funny YouTube videos as his golf career, "If someone would have told me a couple days ago I'd be standing in front of a bunch of cameras, I would have asked, 'What did I do?' "

Six strokes behind Crane are Sweden's Carl Pettersson, who was 3-under on his round with a hole to go, and Jason Bohn, also at 3-under with two holes left in his second round.

Seven back are Davis Love III, who's shot rounds of 65 and 70, and Billy Horschel (67, 68). Peter Malnati, a 26-year-old Tour rookie who opened with a 65, was also at 5-under thanks to Thursday's 65 but hadn't started his second round before the suspension.

Standing at 4-under were J.J. Henry, who shot a 70 Friday, and Chasson Hadley (69).

Among the many others who didn't start their second rounds was five-time major winner Phil Mickelson, who opened with a 67.

Defending champion Harris English posted a 73 Thursday but will have a long Saturday as he didn't tee off in the second round.

For updated scoring, visit http://www.pgatour.com/leaderboard.html.