Merritt stays ahead as rain halts Barbasol Championship

Merritt carded a five-under-par 67 to stay two strokes clear before rain halted proceedings in Kentucky on Friday.

The American, who opened the PGA Tour tournament with a 62, had seven birdies and two bogies on day two.

Merritt – searching for his second Tour title and first since 2015 – also hit nine of 14 fairways and 14 of 18 greens in regulation.

Countryman Billy Horschel posted a 66 to be within two shots of the leader heading into the weekend.

Richy Werenski and Tom Lovelady – a stroke further back – were both through 17 holes when officials suspended proceedings for the day.

The pair will resume their second round at 7:30am local time on Saturday.