Webb Simpson was nervous about playing with Tiger Woods for the first two rounds at the Wells Fargo Championship, but on day two the challenge came from another familiar face in the form of his house guest Nick Watney.
While Watney, who is staying at Simpson's house near Quail Hollow for the tournament, hit an eight-under-par 64 to lead his host by a stroke on 12 under overall, Woods missed the cut for just the eighth time in his career.
It means Simpson, who went into Friday's round as part of a three-man leading group, and Watney will play together on Saturday while Woods heads home.
"It'll be fun to go out with my roommate," Simpson said on www.pgatour.com.
Behind Simpson was a group of four players on 10 under in another of the overnight leader Stewart Cink, DA Points, John Senden and Ben Crane, who like Watney carded a 64.
The third of the overnight leaders, Ryan Moore, was on his own in seventh on nine under after shooting a 70.
Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy launched his challenge in earnest with a 68 which put him in a share of 13th on six under, while Lee Westwood and Phil Mickelson both recorded 72s to edge their way into the weekend on one under.
Defending champion Lucas Glover bowed out with a 76.
Watney birdied seven of the first 12 holes and, after dropping a shot at 13, stormed back with an eagle at the par-five 15th.
Watney said: "I've worked really hard these five days leading into this event. I think it just shows I'm making progress.
"Who knows what's going to happen this weekend, but I'm really excited for it."
Simpson, meanwhile, passed up a chance to lead alongside Watney when he bogeyed his last hole, the ninth.
Woods departed after a 73 left him level for his first two rounds, missing the one-under cut.
Woods said: "This is one of my favourite Tour stops, and unfortunately, I'm just not going to be around for the last two days."
