PLAYA DEL CARMEN, Mexico, Feb. 25 (UPI) -- Chris Stroud, trying to put together the most significant week of his golfing career, seized a three-shot lead Friday at the Mayakoba Golf Classic.
Stroud shot an 8-under 63 at the El Camaleon Golf Club to finish 36 holes at 131. He missed the tournament's two-round record by a single shot.
In a six-year professional career, Stroud has lost his PGA Tour card three times and regained it through the qualifying tournament on each occasion. He has barely finished among the Top 125 in earnings the last two seasons and has never finished higher than fifth in a tour event.
Now, however, he has a chance to solidify his standing on the circuit with a victory that would earn him a two-year exemption.
"I played pretty well in California," Stroud said, "but I only made one cut out of four. That just goes to show you how difficult the PGA Tour is. You can play well and not make a cut."
His round was highlighted by eight consecutive birdies beginning at the ninth.
Kevin Stadler shot a 66 Friday to share second place at 134 with Sunghoon Kang (67) and Cameron Percy (66).
Among those tied for fifth at 135 were Fredrik Jacobson and Jarrod Lyle.
Aaron Baddeley, who won last week at the Northern Trust Open, missed the cut. John Daly, Fred Funk and two-time U.S. Open champion Lee Janzen also failed to qualify for the weekend.
