Justin Rose says he is refusing to get carried away by his 36-hole, three-shot lead at the Farmers Insurance Open.
The Englishman opened the week in San Diego with a 63 and continued his form on Torrey Pines’ South Course on Friday.
Seven birdies and a bogey allowed Rose to sign for a 66 and give him a three-stroke advantage on 15-under.
Japan’s Hideki Matsuyama sits second after a 66 while overnight leader Jon Rahm could only manage a 72 on Friday, with the Spaniard tied for third alongside American duo Ryan Palmer and Billy Horschel.
Both Rory McIlroy and Adam Scott looked sharp as they signed for rounds of 65 and 66 respectively and will look for more of the same on Saturday, with them seven shots back.
Rose admits his three-shot advantage could lead to him losing focus although the world number one says he will stay in the moment in a bid to ensure he remains on track in California.
“Listen, it’s the halfway point. If I had a three-shot lead going into Sunday, then it would be worth kind of thinking about game plan and strategy, but as of now I’ll just keep doing what I’m doing,” Rose said.
“If you can go out and make four, five birdies a day, you’re going to maybe drop the odd shot around here, it doesn’t take much to do that, so if you can stay positive and make your birdies, then it becomes harder to catch someone.
“I’ll just pick my moments really and if I’m feeling good and I’ve got good numbers, go at it. If not, par’s never a bad score here.”
