Reed preserves lead in La Quinta

Patrick Reed has maintained his lead at the Humana Challenge with an eagle-three the highlight of his second round in La Quinta. The 23-year-old American made it back-to-back nine-under 63s at the La Quinta Country Club to claim a two shot lead at the PGA Tour event in California. After a birdie and a bogey to start on Friday, Reed found form when he eagled the par-five fifth hole and a bogey-free back nine, which included five birdies, saw him take control ahead of Brendon Todd, Ryan Palmer and Charley Hoffman. The Humana Challenge is held on three separate courses in La Quinta - the La Quinta Country Club (LQ) and the two courses at PGA West, Arnold Palmer Private (PP) and Jack Nicklaus Private (NP). Because of that, the cut is made after the third round to ensure a level playing field. Reed (18 under overall) has yet to play a round on NP but will start Saturday's third round with a two-stroke lead over compatriot Todd, who also posted a 63 on Friday. Todd did not drop a shot on PP, notching five birdies on the front nine and another four on the run home, as he moved a shot ahead of Palmer. Palmer carded a seven-under 65 on LQ to claim outright third at 15 under, while Hoffman is a stroke further back after a 66 on NP. Bill Haas (66 on NP) and James Driscoll (63 on LQ) share fifth position on the leaderboard at 13 under, with Charlie Beljan (64 on NP) a shot adrift. A group of eight players are tied for eighth position on 11 under, with Australia's Matt Jones the only non-American amongst them.