Charley Hoffman knows his time on the PGA Tour is running short. He can feel every one of his 48 years whenever his troublesome back acts up, and he knows the recent reduction in tour cards will end most players’ careers well before they reach his age.

With 10 birdies and one bogey on the Nicklaus Tournament Course at PGA West, Hoffman fired a 9-under 63 to reach 16-under 128 for two rounds. That’s tied for the lead with Rico Hoey, who shot his own 63 on the Nicklaus Course.

Sepp Straka shot an 8-under 64 on while his top competitors failed to match his sizzling pace at The American Express