MacKenzie the surprise leader on PGA Tour

SILVIS, Ill., July 11 (UPI) -- Will MacKenzie, who missed two months' worth of tournaments this year with an injured knee, took the lead Friday after two rounds of the John Deere Classic.

MacKenzie fired a 7-under 64 over the TPC-Deere Run course, giving him a 36-hole total of 13-under 129.

Kenny Perry, who in the absence of Tiger Woods has become one of the feature attractions on the PGA Tour, moved into a share of second place at 131 after firing a 66. First-round co-leader Charlie Wi (67) and Eric Axley (66) were also at 131.

Brad Adamonis (66) was alone in fifth at 132 and Brian Davis (66) was another shot back.

Even before MacKenzie left the tour to rehabilitate his injured knee, he had struggled to earn paychecks. His best finish this year has been a tie for 44th at the Arnold Palmer Invitational.

Perry is seeking his third victory of the year, but has made more news by skipping the U.S. Open. He also plans to miss next week's British Open, saying he has a better chance to earn Ryder Cup points at the PGA Tour stop in Milwaukee.

"I'm definitely not the best player out here," Perry said. "I'm just playing well."