Bob Hope Classic: Senden leads

Australia’s John Senden holed a bunker shot for an eagle at the 18th to grab a one-shot lead after two rounds of the 90-hole Bob Hope Classic in La Quinta.

The 30-year-old from Brisbane, who earned his PGA Tour card last month in his first trip to Qualifying School, fired a bogey-free seven-under-par 65 at the Indian Wells Country Club for a two-round total of 15-under 129.

It is Senden’s second PGA Tour event, and after missing the cut at last week’s Sony Open with rounds of 74 and 73, he came within three strokes of the year-old 36-hole Bob Hope Classic record.

Brandel Chamblee shot a 67 at Bermuda Dunes and is second at 14-under 130, the best 36-hole score of his 13-year career.

A well-rested Phil Mickelson carded a 67 at Bermuda Dunes in just his second competitive round since August and is tied for third with 1988 champion Jay Haas at 13-under 131.

Former PGA Championship winner Steve Elkington of Australia and reigning Rookie of the Year Charles Howell III comprise half the quartet at 12-under 132. Defending champion Joe Durant is 11 shots back at 140 after a three-under 69.

Indian Wells and Bermuda Dunes are two of the four courses in the rotation at this five-round marathon. The others are the Tamarisk Country Club and PGA West.