NASSAU, Bahamas (AP) Two big birdies from Gary Woodland gave him the lead in the Hero World Challenge. A closing birdie on a hole that has vexed Tiger Woods put him in range of a third victory this year.

Patrick Reed fully expected to be right there within until watching video of his club moving sand away from his golf ball in a waste area, leading to a two-shot penalty in a round that didn't go all that well in the first place.

The end of an entertaining round in this holiday event in the tropics set up what figures to be a lively conclusion. Woodland's final two birdies gave him a 4-under 68 and a one-shot lead over Henrik Stenson.

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SYDNEY (AP) Australian Matt Jones birdied his final hole Friday for a 6-under 65 and a one-stroke lead after two rounds on a day of low scoring at the Australian Open.

Jones had a 36-hole total of 10-under 132 at The Australian Golf Club. Paul Casey shot 65 and Dimitrios Papadatos 66 and were tied for second. Read More...

BEL-OMBRE, Mauritius (AP) Calum Hill took the lead at the Mauritius Open with an 8-under 64 on Friday in the second round.

The Scottish golfer, chasing his first European Tour victory, is at 12-under 132 for the tournament. Read More...

The role of Presidents Cup captain typically is reserved for players in the twilight of their careers.

Nothing is typical about Tiger Woods. Read More...

NASSAU, Bahamas (AP) Seven tournaments from the six largest tours over the next three weeks could shape the field for the Masters, and perhaps pave the way for the largest gathering at Augusta National in more than 50 years.

Augusta National invites the top 50 from the final world ranking of the year, and then the top 50 one week before the Masters. Read More...

NASSAU, Bahamas (AP) Tiger Woods is defending Phil Mickelson and other top players who have signed up for the second edition of the Saudi International.

The European Tour, and the players who took part, came under scrutiny last year for staging an event in Saudi Arabia because of its human rights record, especially with the tournament taking place three months after the killing of journalist Jamal Kashoggi. Read More...

SYDNEY (AP) Adam Scott, Sergio Garcia, Ernie Els and other players at this week’s Australian Open could have another course hazard to contend with: smoke from nearby bushfires.

A temperature inversion which formed over Sydney on Monday night trapped smoke in the region on Tuesday and caused considerable haze during a practice round. Golf Australia said it plans to increase on-site medical staff if the fire-driven smog disrupts the tournament. Read More...