Rico Hoey has played in The American Express golf event in La Quinta just once, missing the cut last year. But his history of golf in the desert goes back much deeper than that.

Rico Hoey faced tough challenges at the Pete Dye Stadium course, faltering with a two-over 74 on moving day and dropping from a share of the lead to 17th place in The American Express, now led by Sepp Straka in California on Saturday (Sunday Manila time).

Rickie Fowler charged into contention with 10 birdies and a second-round 62 on the Nicklaus, moving him even with Justin Thomas and Sony Open champion Nick Taylor at 13-under 131. Patrick Cantlay, Will Zalatoris and Doug Ghim were 12 under.