Jul 5, 2008 - 12:45 AM
0 shoutsBETHESDA, Maryland (Ticker) -- Tom Pernice Jr. shot a blistering 7-under-par 63 on Friday to grab a share of the clubhouse lead after the second round at the $6 million AT&T National.
Pernice played his first five holes on the Blue Course at Congressional Country Club in even-par before catching fire.
Pernice started a string of four straight birdies at the par-4 sixth hole. He added three birdies on the back nine, including one to close his round at the par-4 18th.
"Well, it's only Friday. I mean, I've been playing well, and, you know, you never know when a round like this is going to jump up," Pernice said. "I'm obviously very happy with the round and how it turned out."
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.
"The greens were pretty smooth today and very true and they were really receptive. So if you hit some good iron shots, you have some chances to get it close," Pernice said. "I'm thrilled at my position. You know, shooting 63, 7-under-par around this golf course is pretty special."
Winless on the PGA Tour since claiming The International in 2001, Pernice missed the cut last week at the Buick Open.
"I felt like I've been playing pretty well here as of late, but my ball-striking has been pretty well all year and I haven't putted very well," Pernice said. "I started putting a little better at Memphis, and I played pretty well at Hartford, as well. So you know, I feel like it's all there and I feel very comfortable over the putter for a change the last month or so."
At 9-under 131 overall, Pernice is tied atop the leaderboard with Jeff Overton, who shot a bogey-free 65.
Anthony Kim is in third at 6-under 134 after carding his second consecutive 67. A group of seven players are at 5-under, including Steve Stricker and John Merrick, who both shot 64.
"I'm happy with how I'm playing and hopefully I can keep it up," Kim said. "It was the best ball-striking round I've had in a while. I've been struggling with that. I struggled yesterday and today I came out and was firing on all cylinders as far as hitting the ball."
First-round leader Steve Marino is also at 5-under after an even-par 70.
"Last year I played and I didn't play so hot and I missed the cut. So I'm already 1-up on last year," Marino said. "Sitting at 5-under, I'm feeling pretty good about going into the weekend."
Defending champion K.J. Choi has fallen eight shots back of the leaders after a 1-over 71 dropped him to 1-under 129 and a tie for 26th.
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.
