Reigning Masters champion Tiger Woods, chasing a record 83rd US PGA title, and Rory McIlroy, trying to become world number one, struggled while Ryan Palmer seized the lead at the Farmers Insurance Open.
Woods overcame a double-bogey disaster on the first hole to shoot a one-under par 71 while McIlroy faded late to fire a one-over 73, leaving both on four-under 140 and six adrift of Palmer's pace after 36 holes at Torrey Pines.
"It played a lot harder for everyone than yesterday except for Ryan -- he's the only one who figured it out," Woods said.
Palmer shot 62 on the North Course, one of two being used on the first two days, to stand on 134 and grab a two-stroke lead over fellow American Brandt Snedeker, who fired a 67 on the South Course at the San Diego layout.
"It was one of those days where I knew the scores were low, I knew I could get a nice round in there if I could get the putter rolling and I did," Palmer said after firing 10 birdies and a closing bogey.
"It's exciting. I love where my game is at and I'm excited for the opportunity."
"I hit a lot of good shots. I'm driving the ball better, which is nice. In the middle part of the round I made those putts."
"It's a hard golf course and the patience you're going to have to have is going to play a key role. The way I'm driving the ball gives me a lot of confidence for the weekend."
- 'It's a marathon' -
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"It's a marathon. it's a long haul. I'm just going to try to be there at the end and see what happens."
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