Watney's 63 puts him on top at FBR Open

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Jan. 30 (UPI) -- Nick Watney equaled the lowest round of his seven-year PGA Tour career Thursday and grabbed a one-shot lead midway through the FBR Open in Arizona.

Watney fired an 8-under 63 over the TPC-Scottsdale course, recording eagles on both the back nine par-5s. That gave him a 36-hole total of 9-under 133 -- a stroke in front of Charley Hoffman (68), Matt Kuchar (67) and first-round co-leader James Nitties (69).

Kenny Perry (63) and Cameron Beckman (67) were tied for fifth at 135.

Phil Mickelson (73), who missed only one cut in all of 2008, failed to make the 36-hole cut in his 2009 debut. He had a 149 total, which left him tied for 121st place.

Also missing the cut, which came at even-par 142, were Justin Leonard, Mike Weir, Camilo Villegas, Anthony Kim, Fred Couples and Steve Stricker, who suffered a final-round collapse last week after building a three-shot lead at the Bob Hope Classic.

Pat Perez (73), who won the Hope, hit his tee shot into the water at his final hole Friday and barely survived the cut with a 142 total.

Watney began his round on the back nine and eagled both the 13th and 15th holes. He hit his 200-yard second shot to within four feet at the 13th and made the putt. He then reached the island green in two at the 15th with a 230-yard shot and holed a 15-foot putt.

There were 19 players within four shots of the lead, including early-season FedEx Cup points leader Zach Johnson. Johnson, winner of the Sony Open in Honolulu two weeks ago, was at 137 after shooting a 66 Friday.