LIV’s Brooks Koepka grabs big lead at storm-halted Masters

AUGUSTA, Georgia: Four-time major winner and LIV Golf rebel Brooks Koepka seized command of the Masters with a sizzling five-under par 67 before a storm that uprooted trees halted Friday’s second round at Augusta National.

Koepka torched the par-5 holes for an eagle and three birdies in a bogey-free tour. His superb shotmaking followed an opening 65, his lowest Masters round, and left him on 12-under 132 for 36 holes, three strokes in front. “It was really solid. Didn’t really do too much wrong,” Koepka said. “You’ve got to make birdies on these par 5s, take advantage of them, and did a good job of that.” After winning last week’s LIV Golf event in Orlando, Koepka could produce the PGA Tour’s nightmare scenario of a victory on one of golf’s greatest stages by a player from the breakaway circuit. Third-ranked Jon Rahm, the 2021 US Open winner, was second on 9-under after making a seven-foot birdie putt at the par-5 eighth and a 12-footer for birdie at the ninth. The Spaniard, however, was among 39 players unable to complete the second round as play was stopped until Saturday after three trees were toppled by gusty winds near the 17th tee. Augusta National said there were no injuries but spectators were evacuated and players were removed from the course. “The safety and well-being of everyone attending the Masters tournament will always be the top priority of the club,” a statement from Augusta National said. “We will continue to closely monitor weather today and through the tournament.” Koepka, the 2017 and 2018 US Open champion and 2018 and 2019 PGA Championship winner, finished well before the storms. “The biggest advantage I had was my tee time,” Koepka said. US Amateur champion Sam Bennett fired a 68 to stand third