Tony Finau, fresh off a caddie change, put himself in prime position right behind the leaders at the halfway point of the second-year tournament.
In warmer and windier conditions on the quiet spectator-free course, the scores crept up after Werenski led the first-round pack with an 8-under 63. The 24-year-old, who’s winless on the PGA Tour, followed up with a 67. Thompson caught him with a 66.
Finau began the week with longtime swing coach Boyd Summerhays on his bag, having decided to move on from Greg Bodine after faltering in the final round of the Memorial and finishing eighth.