Watney edges ahead in Greensboro

Nick Watney shrugged off chilly conditions to take a one-stroke lead after the second round at the Chrysler Classic of Greensboro on Friday.

Watney shot a steady one-under-par 71 to set the halfway pace at nine-under 135, one stroke ahead of Ryan Palmer, who fired a spectacular 65, and Australian John Senden.

Six other players trailed by two strokes, while Davis Love III, one of the few big names in the field, was three shots behind.

Palmer eagled the par-4 fifth, holing out from 107 yards, and also putted brilliantly to add six birdies, along with a bogey, for the day's best score.

'That eagle definitely kick-started my round," said Palmer, who holed three long putts from outside 20 feet, including a 60-foot monster at the 11th hole.

'It was one of those days where the hole was big and the ball was going in.  I played smart when I needed.  Conditions were tough, but I've finally figured how to play in them.  I've struggled in the past, but growing up in west Texas, it comes back to you.'

However, Palmer's round was not quite good enough to catch Watney, who birdied the first two holes and - except for a bogey at the 13th - parred his way home.

'With the wind and rain, it definitely made it a little tougher to be aggressive and get the ball close," said the 25-year-old Watney, who is in his second season on the PGA Tour.

'I was swinging well and had a few more opportunities early but then I didn't hit it as well.'

While Watney and Palmer played in the morning, Senden faced tougher conditions in the afternoon as the wind strengthened throughout the day and the temperature dropped into the low-50s.

However, the 35-year-old Australian, who ranks second on tour behind Tiger Woods for greens in regulation, made the necessary adjustments to card a two-under 72.

'My swing creates a lot of spin on the ball, so with downwind shots or even into the wind shots, I can control the distance easier,' said Senden.

'The wind got more and more as the day went on, and I thought I played really nicely. I didn't make a whole lot of putts down the stretch but it was nice to hang around the lead.  I was fourth overnight and I've improved that position today, so I'm happy.'

First round co-leaders John Rollins and Brent Geiberger fell three and four strokes behind, respectively.

With only seven strokes separating the 76 players who made the cut and strong winds forecast to continue during the weekend, there is still plenty to play for in the final 36 holes.