HOUSTON, April 1 (UPI) -- Tour rookie Chris Kirk posted his second straight sub-70 round Friday and took a one-shot lead at the halfway point of the Houston Open.
Kirk, 25, has had just one Top 10 finish on the PGA Tour, but now finds himself in position to earn a spot in next week's Masters if he can pull off his initial victory.
He shot a 69 Friday at the Redstone Golf Club in a round that included a double-bogey 7 at the par-5 fourth. His 36-hole total of 9-under-par 135 gave him a one-shot advantage over Anthony Kim and Johnson Wagner.
Josh Teater, first-round leader Jimmy Walker and three-time major championship winner Padraig Harrington shared fourth place at 137. Walker stumbled to a 74 after opening with a 63.
Phil Mickelson, who next week will go after his fourth Masters crown and second in as many years, shot his second straight 70 and was tied for 21st place. Lee Westwood, the No. 2 ranked player in the world, was also at 140.
It took a score of even-par 144 to survive the 36-hole cut and among those missing it were former U.S. Open champions Angel Cabrera and Lucas Glover.
