Couples leads Buick Classic

HARRISON, N.Y., June 11 (UPI) -- Fred Couples rocketed to the lead at the Buick Classic Friday, firing a bogey-free 6-under-par 65 at Westchester Country Club.

Couples had six birdies on a sunny day to reach 10-under 132, a stroke better than first-round leader Vijay Singh, Fredrik Jacobson and Luke Donald.

This is the second straight solid tournament for Couples, who turned in a runner-up finish at the Memorial. He has just two top-10s this season, having tied for sixth at The Masters.

Tom Byrum was alone in fifth at 7-under 135 while Padraig Harrington was in a group tied for sixth at 136. Phil Mickelson, Ernie Els Africa and Sergio Garcia shared 11th at 137.

Forty-five golfers were within seven strokes of Couples with two rounds to play.