Verplank leads in PGA Tour finale

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., Nov. 7 (UPI) -- Scott Verplank's second consecutive round of 64 Friday vaulted him into a three-shot lead at the midway point of the Children's Miracle Network Classic.

Verplank, 44, has won five times on the PGA Tour, but has had only victory over the last seven seasons -- that coming at last year's Byron Nelson Classic.

He followed up his 64 on Thursday at the Magnolia Course of the Walt Disney World Resort with another one on the Palm Course. Amateurs also competed during the first two rounds of the tournament, but it will be professionals only for the final two rounds on the Magnolia Course.

With Verplank at 16-under 128, Steve Marino and first-round leader Troy Matteson were tied for second at 131 in what is the tour's final tournament of the year.

Players are fighting to secure a spot among the top 125 money winners who will keep their PGA Tour cards for next season.

The top three are safe in that regard, but all those tied for fourth need a big finish to move into the top 125.

Robert Gamez (190th), Tag Ridings (154th) and Robert Garrigus (141st) shared fourth place at 12-under 132.

Also in the field is Erik Compton, who underwent his second heart transplant surgery five weeks ago. His 36-hole total of 138 was good enough to make the cut.