Hovland tops star-studded leaderboard at Torrey Pines after Round 2

Viktor Hovland posted a brilliant 7-under 65 in Round 2 on the South Course at Torrey Pines to hold a one-shot edge over a star-studded leaderboard at the Farmers Insurance Open.

The 23-year-old Norwegian's eight-birdie performance Friday came in difficult weather conditions, which saw the scoring average on the South Course rise to nearly 75. His 9.76 strokes gained: total is the third-best score on the South Course out of more than 5,400 rounds since tracking began in 2004, according to the 15th Club's Justin Ray.

Hovland sits at 9-under for the tournament, one ahead of a group of six players that includes world No. 2 Jon Rahm, Adam Scott, Tony Finau, and Patrick Reed.

Rahm and Finau shot a 5-under on the North Course while Scott and Reed carded a 69 and 72 on the South Course, respectively.

Here's how the top of the leaderboard looks following Round 2:

Rory McIlroy only managed to put together a 71 while playing the easier North Course. He sits in a tie for 14th, four shots behind Hovland.

The 50-year-old Phil Mickelson birdied his final two holes to shoot even par and make the cut right on the 1-under number.

The wildest round of the day goes to Will Zalatoris, who hit only one fairway on the South Course but still managed to break par with a 71.

Notables Jordan Spieth, Jason Day, and Brooks Koepka all missed the cut. Spieth played his back nine at 3-over to miss the weekend by one shot.