Straka entered the new year with a shaved head, and he finally explained why on Saturday at The American Express, which he leads by four.

Straka’s round at La Quinta in many ways was the reverse of what might have been expected. Playing the back nine first, Straka made six birdies on the way to a 30, the kind of score generally associated with the front nine at the course that opened in 1959.

LA QUINTA – The last two times Sepp Straka played in The American Express, a 23-under score – somebody else’s – won the tournament. Is it his turn this time?