LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., Oct. 21 (UPI) -- Justin Leonard, who has not won in more than three years, seized a share of the lead Friday after 36 holes of the Children's Miracle Network Hospitals Classic.
The former British Open champion shot a tournament low 9-under 63 that left him tied for the top spot with Henrik Stenson and Bio Kim. Stenson, who like Leonard played the Walt Disney World Palm Course, fired a 64. Kim, whose round was played at the Magnolia Course, had a 65.
The co-leaders stood at 12-under 132 midway through the final tournament of the PGA Tour season. They had a two-shot lead over Nick O'Hern and a three-shot cushion over Michael Allen, Matt Bettencourt and Gary Woodland.
Webb Simpson and Luke Donald, who are battling for the tour's 2011 money title, were both at 137 in a tie for 14th.
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Simpson has a lead of $363,029 over Donald in the race for the No. 1 position on the money list. Donald added this tournament to his schedule when Simpson overtook him for the lead this month.
Donald, ranked No. 1 in the world, must finish in no worse than a two-way tie for second place to have a chance to pass Simpson. Donald is trying to become the first player to win the money title on both the PGA Tour and European Tour in the same year.
Simpson and Donald were paired together for the first two rounds and they will be in the same pairing again for the third round Saturday.
Donald settled for a 71 Friday after being part of a seven-way tie for the lead Thursday.
"It wasn't very good," he said. "I struggled in kind of all parts of my game, unfortunately. I woke up this morning not feeling great. My energy level, my focus wasn't very good."
Leonard, 39, turned in his best round of the year with an eagle and seven birdies. He has not won since capturing the 2008 St. Jude Classic for his 12th tour victory.
