Loren Roberts fired a five-under-par 66 Friday to share the lead with fellow American Frank Lickliter after the second round of the $2.5m PGA Greater Milwaukee Open.
Roberts, known as "Boss of the Moss" for his impressive work on the putting greens, began the day two strokes back and actually was a stroke worse than his opening round as the field came back to him at a 11-under par 131.
"The course usually plays the toughest it's going to play all week on Friday afternoon," Roberts said.
Roberts sank six birdies for the second day in a row, including a 15-footer on his final hole.
"I feel like my putting stroke is in the groove again," said Roberts, who tied for third at The Masters. "I just hope it can continue into the weekend."
Lickliter got off to a blazing start but cooled off on the back nine. He also shot a 66 and will play alongside the 1996 winner here on Saturday.
"I feel good about 11-under after two days," Lickliter said.
Many may not recall Roberts' victory here as it was overshadowed by the pro debut of Tiger Woods, who tied for 60th that week.
Woods is one of the many top players who have skipped this event and headed straight to Scotland to prepare for next week's British Open.
Roberts is one of only eight in the field who are bound for St. Andrew's after this event.
Another is defending champion Carlos Franco of Paraguay, who carded a 70 to stand on 6-under 136, five shots back. Franco set a tournament record with a 20-under 264 last year at the 6,759-yard Brown Deer Park Golf Club course.
"After what Carlos shot last year, you have to keep that 20-under figure in your mind," Roberts said.
Franklin Langham and J.P. Hayes are tied at 10-under 132, one shot better than a quartet that includes Williamson, who shot a 68, and 1986 champion Corey Pavin, who fired a 67.
"It's awfully nice to see Corey Pavin's name on the leader-board," Roberts said. "He's got to be the sentimental choice for the weekend. I know a lot of guys will be rooting for him," - (AFP)
© 2000 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
