Late surge puts Baird ahead in New Orleans
HOUSTON (Reuters) - Briny Baird birdied the final two holes for a three-under-par 69 to seize the second-round lead at the New Orleans Classic on Friday.
Baird sank a 20-foot putt at the last to finish eight under on 136, one stroke better than Australian Peter Lonard and fellow American Jay Williamson.
Lonard surged into the lead after a run of three birdies in four holes but bogeys at the 15th, 17th and 18th forced him to settle for a 70.
The Australian told reporters he would try to focus on how he played during the first 14 holes.
"Otherwise, I'll go and commit suicide," Lonard said before heading to the practice range to correct errant shots that went right of target.
Tied on six-under 138 were holder Nick Watney (67), who took only 21 putts, fellow American Tommy Armour III (68) and Japan's Shigeki Maruyama (68).
South African Tim Clark, who began his round on the back nine, produced a dazzling finish to move into contention.
Clark birdied the seventh and eighth before recording a hole-in-one at the 210-yard, par-three ninth for a six-under 66. He was among a group of 10 players on 139.
"Certainly the best finish I've ever had to a round of golf with a one," Clark told reporters. "Hit a six-iron in there. It hit soft and disappeared."
"I don't see myself shooting too many six-unders on this golf course being as long as it is, but I played solid today, and in my last 27 holes now, I'm nine under."
MADE TRICKIER
Baird said he did not play too well on a TPC Louisiana layout featuring firm, sloping greens made trickier by difficult pin placements.
"It didn't feel quite as good as probably the scorecard will make out," said the American, who is chasing his first PGA Tour win and is on a good run after tying for fourth at last week's Puerto Rico Open.
"My swing felt a little loose at times but to get in with a three-under (score), I was very, very pleased."
Eighty-one players made the cut set at even-par 144.
Among those failing to qualify for weekend play were fourth-ranked Steve Stricker at 145, after a 75, former Masters champion Mike Weir of Canada at 146 (75) and twice major winner John Daly at 150 (77).
(Writing by Larry Fine in New York; Editing by Ed Osmond)
