AUGUSTA, Ga. (PA) -- David Howell was thankful for his coach's jet lag on Friday.
After an opening 72 on Thursday, the 27-year-old from England went to bed thinking his second round tee time had been pushed back to 1:20 p.m. ET because of the weather delay. It was actually 10:20 a.m.
Fortunately, when his coach, Clive Tucker, who is staying in the same house, woke up early, he turned on the television and saw the correct time.
He broke the news to Howell, who then went out and birdied five out of seven holes on Friday to charge to 5-under-par before more thunderstorms in the area halted play for the day. That left him tied for the lead with fellow Englishman Luke Donald and American Chris DiMarco.
Play is set to resume at 8 a.m. on Saturday. Some players have not yet even started their second rounds, but a clear day -- and the forecast is better -- could see the tournament almost back on track by nightfall.
"I'm obviously delighted with my day's work, even if it was only eight holes," said Howell, whose girlfriend is the personal assistant to the Queen's private secretary, but who is at Augusta rather than at the Prince Charles and Camilla Parker Bowles wedding.
Donald, who was lying second when he completed his opening 68, just had time to make an eight-foot birdie putt on the long second before the suspension came.
He too is making his first appearance in the Masters, but much more was expected of him after his runner-up finish in the Players Championship two weeks ago.
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