Northern Trust Open: Fred Couples gives himself a cushion

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In his second round of the Northern Trust Open, Fred Couples is through 16 holes at Riviera Country Club, and the 51-year-old with a back so sore he plans to have an MRI Monday at UCLA is eight-under-par overall and five-under on his Friday round so far.

As the weather grows more ominous, with clouds closing in and the wind picking up, Couples might be happy to soon be in the clubhouse.

He is three shots ahead of first-round co-leaders J.B. Holmes, Kevin Na and Ryan Moore.

-- Diane Pucin

Photo: Fred Couples. Credit: Reed Saxon / Associated Press