Rose still in command at delayed Funai Classic

Justin Rose threatened to run away with the Funai Classic at Walt Disney World but had to settle for a four-shot lead when play was halted late in Friday’s second round.

Rose, who shot a magnificent 12-under-par 60 on Thursday, continued his sizzling form by picking up six birdies over his first 12 holes on the Magnolia course.

“Starting birdie-birdie was a good thing and got me back on the horse,” said the 26-year-old Englishman, whose momentum was halted by a sloppy bogey at his 13th hole – the par-5 fourth – where he fired his third shot over the green into a bunker.

Rose could merely par the next three holes to remain 17-under with two holes remaining when played was stopped in fading light, the result of a morning fog delay that prevented eight golfers from completing the round.

Tag Ridings (66) was safely back in the clubhouse in second place at 13-under 131, a stroke better than Troy Matteson (65), who earned his first PGA Tour victory in Las Vegas on Sunday.

“I didn’t put myself under any pressure today, other than that par-5,” Rose continued. “It was a long day and I began to get a little distracted, so, yes, that was a reason for that (bogey).

I had a little slow patch coming in, but it was tough. It was getting dark, so I’m looking forward to a fresh start (Saturday).”

When play resumes at 9am EDT on Saturday, Rose will have a birdie putt on his 17th green. Barring a major meltdown, he will enjoy the halfway lead for the fifth time on the PGA Tour.

Rose has not converted any of his previous leads into victories and never has won on tour. He did lead wire-to-wire at the 2002 Chunichi Crowns on the Japan Tour.

“I’m actually comfortable with it (lead) right now,” Rose said. “Obviously it’s much easier to be comfortable on Friday than Sunday. I’m just trying to stay one shot at a time. I’m boring you by saying it, but that’s really what I’m trying to do.”

Rose was on fire early in his round and in control of every facet of his game, particularly his iron play. A hot putter allowed him to take advantage of his opportunities.

Rose hit a rare poor tee shot on his 13th hole and laid up 77 yards short of the cup with his second shot before hitting a horrible lob wedge.

“I was feeling good and making birdies and probably got too aggressive,” he said. “It took one bounce and went in the back trap and I had absolutely no sand under the ball. The key for me is I missed the green on the next hole as well and made a good little chip and putt to keep the momentum going.”

While Rose will be up early Saturday, Ridings can sleep in. By time he gets to the course, he may learn he is in second place, having spoke to the media without knowing his position.

“I haven’t looked at a scoreboard all day,” he said.