Record breaking Barnes leads at Bethpage

By Larry Fine
FARMINGDALE, New York (Reuters) - Ricky Barnes fired a five-under-par 65 for a record 36-hole total of 132 to grab a one-shot lead over fellow American Lucas Glover midway through the second round of the weather-delayed U.S. Open.
PGA Tour rookie Barnes, the 2002 U.S. amateur champion who posted an opening 67 on Friday, came back on Saturday to birdie three of the nine holes he had left in his second round and go eight under par in the rain-marred tournament.
"It's pretty cool," the 28-year-old told reporters at Bethpage Black. "At the beginning of the week you didn't think that score was out there.
"Obviously with some tees moved up and the soft greens helped out. My ball striking was probably the most impressive part," added Barnes who has carded only one bogey this week.
Holder Tiger Woods, who struggled to an opening 74, returned a 69 for 143.
LOWER SCORES
"I need some lower scores, the course could be had out there," said the world number one. "If you don't have mud on your ball you can pretty much go after every flag."
Woods would have to match the biggest 36-hole comeback in order to win his fourth U.S. Open and 15th major. Lou Graham came from 11 behind to win the 1975 edition at Medinah.
Glover, who led by one stroke when play was called off on Friday due to failing light, came back to birdie one of his five remaining holes to finish with a 64 for 133.
"The greens are still holding mid-irons and long irons," Glover said. "It's still very soft. If you get it in the fairway there are birdies to be had."
Canadian Mike Weir, the 2003 U.S. Masters winner who led after the first round, was on 134 after a 70.
Tied for fourth on 137 were Peter Hanson of Sweden (71), Japan's Azuma Yano (65) and American David Duval (70), the former world number one who has not won in eight years.
World number two Phil Mickelson was on 139 after a 70.
Steve Stricker joined his fellow American on one under after a second-round 66.
"You had to keep your wits about you," Stricker said. "We got the short end of the draw but you don't focus on that, don't get a bad attitude."
(Editing by Tony Jimenez. To query or comment on this story email sportsfeedback@thomsonreuters.com)

Source: Reuters