Brandel Chamblee fired a five-under-par 67 to take a two-shot lead after the second round of the Tucson Open in Arizona.
Chamblee, following his opening 65 at the Omni Tucson National Golf Resort and Spa, finished the day at 12-under 132, with Steve Pate (66) and Bob Tway (67) tied for second at 134.
First-round leader Michael Allen slipped back into a share of fourth at 135 after a one-under 71 - level with Chris Smith, Loren Roberts, David Peoples and 1987 U.S. Open champion Scott Simpson.
"I can't remember," Chamblee said on being asked when he last led a tournament at the halfway stage.
"But obviously you know just being in the thick of things is exciting. It's a welcome feeling. Every guy out here wants to have it (the lead) on the weekend."
Starting on the back nine, Chamblee birdied four of the first nine holes, including a 20-foot putt from off the green at the 15th.
After the turn, he picked up another shot at the first par-five and then ended his round with seven successive pars.
"It was a somewhat disappointing finish considering the way I was playing, but certainly I'm happy with the way the round went overall," Chamblee said.
The halfway cut was made at four-under 140, the lowest in Tucson since 1969, and 73 players qualified for the final two rounds.
Defending champion Garrett Willis missed the cut by two after a second consecutive 71