NASSAU, Bahamas (AP) A tropical breeze replaced the raging wind and made golf a lot easier for Patrick Reed, Tiger Woods and just about everyone else Thursday in the Hero World Challenge.

Reed took advantage of the back nine at Albany Golf Club for the second straight day. He was tied for the lead until making six birdies over his last 10 holes for a 6-under 66 that gave him a three-shot lead over U.S. Open champion Gary Woodland.

"It's one of those golf courses that when the wind lays down, it gives you opportunities to make birdies," Reed said. "But when the wind starts blowing, the golf course can get really challenging. You need to give yourself as many opportunities as you can."

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BEL-OMBRE, Mauritius (AP) Rookie Rasmus Hojgaard was among five players tied for the lead after the first round of the Mauritius Open on Thursday.

The 18-year-old Dane hit a 6-under 66, including an eagle on the par-5 seventh, for a share of the lead alongside South African Brandon Stone, Grant Forrest of Scotland and French players Benjamin Hebert and Romain Langasque. Read More...

SYDNEY (AP) Paul Casey shot a 6-under 65 Friday to take the early clubhouse lead on a morning of low scoring at the Australian Open.

Casey had a two-round total of 9-under 133 at The Australian Golf Club. Cameron Tringale, who also shot 65, and Louis Oosthuizen with a 66 were among those a shot behind. Read More...

NASSAU, Bahamas (AP) Tiger Woods is defending Phil Mickelson and other top players who have signed up for the second edition of the Saudi International.

The European Tour, and the players who took part, came under scrutiny last year for staging an event in Saudi Arabia because of its human rights record, especially with the tournament taking place three months after the killing of journalist Jamal Kashoggi. Read More...

NASSAU, Bahamas (AP) Tiger Woods meant it as a joke.

And it was accompanied by laughter. Read More...

SYDNEY (AP) Adam Scott, Sergio Garcia, Ernie Els and other players at this week’s Australian Open could have another course hazard to contend with: smoke from nearby bushfires.

A temperature inversion which formed over Sydney on Monday night trapped smoke in the region on Tuesday and caused considerable haze during a practice round. Golf Australia said it plans to increase on-site medical staff if the fire-driven smog disrupts the tournament. Read More...

NASSAU, Bahamas (AP) Seven tournaments from the six largest tours over the next three weeks could shape the field for the Masters, and perhaps pave the way for the largest gathering at Augusta National in more than 50 years.

Augusta National invites the top 50 from the final world ranking of the year, and then the top 50 one week before the Masters. Read More...