LA QUINTA, Calif., Jan. 21 (UPI) -- Gary Woodland and Jhonattan Vegas, both hoping to make this the biggest week of their golfing lives to date, shared the lead Friday at the Bob Hope Classic.
Woodland, who is playing on the PGA Tour this year under a medical exemption after undergoing shoulder surgery, shot an 8-under 64 Friday at the PGA West Nicklaus Course.
Vegas, a rookie who learned the game hitting rocks with broomsticks in his native Venezuela, turned in a 67 at the SilverRock resort.
That left them tied at 18-under 198 after 54 holes of the five-day tournament that is played over four courses.
Neither Woodland nor Vegas has come close to a tour victory and a win this week would earn the champion a two-year exemption on the circuit, as well as an invitation to the Masters.
Greg Chalmers was alone in third at 199 while Martin Laird was another shot back. Those tied for fifth at 201 included Chris Couch, Keegan Bradley, Jeff Overton and Chris Kirk.
Boo Weekley, who was tied with Vegas for the lead heading into the third round, settled for an even-par 72 and a 203 total. Mark Wilson, the winner last week at the Sony Open in Honolulu, was at 212 and in danger of missing the 72-hole cut.
After the cut is made Saturday, those remaining will compete in the fifth round at the PGA West Palmer Course Sunday.
