Napa, United States: Scotland’s Martin Laird fired a second straight five-under-par 67 on Friday to grab a one-shot lead after two rounds of the US PGA Tour’s $6 million (Dh22 million) Frys.com Open.
Laird, a three-time winner on the US tour, had a 10-under total of 134 and a one-stroke lead over first-round co-leader Bae Sang-moon of South Korea and American Zach Blair.
Bae followed his first-round 66 with a 69, while Blair carded a 66 for 135.
Laird hit just six fairways, but he needed only 26 putts and was delighted with his performance in the opening event of the US tour’s 2014-15 season.
“You never know how you’re going to play after seven weeks off like I’ve had,” Laird said. “Played very solid, very solid 67s. I’m extremely happy.”
Scott Langley vaulted up the leader board with a six-under 66 and was tied for fourth on 136 with Sweden’s David Lingmerth (68) and fellow American Mark Hubbard (65).
Japan’s Hideki Matsuyama carded a 67 and was alone in seventh. Laird’s six birdies included four in a row at eight, nine, 10 and 11, and he poured in his last birdie at the par-five 18th.
Bae, who made seven birdies and one bogey in his first round on Thursday, carded three birdies without a bogey to keep himself in contention.
His first birdie of the day came at the par-five ninth, and he birdied two of his last three.
Monday qualifier Jarrod Lyle of Australia, who is playing for the first time on tour since twice being treated for leukaemia, made the cut by two strokes after shooting a two-under 70.
