Pernice Jr. sizzles at AT&T National

Jul 4, 2008 - 6:08 PM BETHESDA, Maryland (Ticker) -- Tom Pernice Jr. shot a blistering 7-under-par 63 on Friday to grab a share of the clubhouse lead in the second round at the $6 million AT&T National.

Pernice played his first five holes on the Blue Course at Congressional Country Club even before catching fire.

Pernice started a string of four straight birdies at the par-4 sixth hole. He added three birdies on the back side, including one to close his round at the par-4 18th.

It marked the second time this year that Pernice shot a 63. He also reached that number in the final round of the St. Jude Championship last month en route to tying for eighth.

Winless on the PGA Tour since claiming The International in 2001, Pernice missed the cut last week at the Buick Open.

At 9-under 131 overall, Pernice is tied atop the leaderboard with Jeff Overton, who shot a bogey-free 65.

Steve Stricker (64) and Rod Pampling (69) each are four shots off the lead,

First-round leader Steve Marino has played his first six holes at 1-over, putting him four strokes back of Pernice and Overton.

Defending champion K.J. Choi has fallen eight shots back of the leaders after playing his first four holes at 1-over.

The event is hosted by Tiger Woods, who was advised by doctors not to fly after undergoing knee surgery to repair a torn ACL in his left knee three weeks ago.

First prize of $1.08 million.