Woods ups PGA Championship lead to 4 shots

CHASKA, Minn., Aug. 14 (UPI) -- Tiger Woods, seeking a 15th major title, shot a 2-under-par 70 at Hazeltine National in Minnesota Friday for a four-stroke lead in the PGA Championship.

Woods started his second round with a bogey and at one point was tied with three other players. He began to pull away with three back-nine birdies and reached the tournament's halfway mark at 7-under 137.

England's Ross Fisher (68), U.S. Open champion Lucas Glover (70), Australian Brendan Jones (70), two-time PGA Championship winner Vijay Singh (72) and 2008 winner Padraig Harrington (73) shared second place at 141.

Englishmen Ian Poulter (70) and Lee Westwood (72) were at 2-under. South Africa's Ernie Els (68), a three-time major winner, finished in a group at 1-under.

Woods has won all eight major championships in which he has held at least a share of the 36-hole lead.

"Long way to go. We have 36 more holes," Woods said. "All the times I've been in this position, I've played well. I'm playing well now. We'll see what happens."

Winds of 20-plus mph buffeted the course -- at 7,674 yards the longest in major championship history -- much of the day.

Woods, seeking his third straight victory, sixth of the season, fifth PGA Championship and 71st win of his career, birdied Nos. 14, 15 and 16 to reach 8-under before a bogey at the final hole.

World No. 2 Phil Mickelson shot a 2-over 74 and trailed Woods by 11 strokes.

Sergio Garcia and Steve Stricker were among players missing the cut.