American Russell Henley vaulted into the lead at the PGA Tour’s McGladrey Classic after carding a seven-under 63 on Friday at the Seaside Course.
Henley moved one shot in front of the field as he finished two rounds at nine-under-par 131.
“I hit it well today. I got one or two nice breaks and felt good with the putter so it was a nice round,” Henley said. “I grew up around here playing some golf, and it’s good to have lots of support.”
Brian Harman, who shared the first-round lead with Erik Compton, Will Mackenzie and Michael Thompson, posted a three-under 67 in round two. Harman was joined in second place at eight-under-par 132 by Brendon de Jonge (64) and Andrew Svoboda (66).
MacKenzie carded a two-under 68 as he fell into a share of fifth at seven-under. He is tied with Mark Wilson (66) and Fabian Gomez (66).
Scott Piercy (67) and Kevin Chappell (67) are tied for eighth at six-under 134. Defending champion Chris Kirk (67) and Compton (70) are two of 11 players in a group at five-under.
Thompson stumbled to a one-over 71 and he fell into a share of 21st place at four-under-par 136.
Henley began on the tenth hole Friday and found a fairway bunker off the tee. That led to an opening bogey, but it was his only one of the round.
Henley settled in with his third birdie of the day at the 18th as he made the turn at four under.
Henley drained an 18-footer for birdie on the eighth hole to move to nine-under then made par at the last hole.