Haas Two Clear at Rock Barn


Jay Haas followed up his opening 8-under 63 with a 67 to forge a two-stroke lead in the Greater Hickory Kia Classic at Rock Barn. The $2.1 million Champions Tour event got underway Friday at Rock Barn Golf & Spa in Conover, N.C.

The 60-year-old Haas, winner of the tournament in 2005 and '09 among his 16 titles on the over-50 circuit, posted five birdies and a bogey to reach 12-under 130, two shots clear of South African David Frost (65) and Americans Kirk Triplett (66) and Joe Durant (69).

"I played well again today - maybe not quite as well as yesterday, but I had some chances today and didn't capitalize," Haas told reporters. "It was a little tougher today. The wind was stronger in places, and the course played differently. But I'm pleased. Obviously I did some good things out there.

"I'm glad to be in the lead. But in looking at that leaderboard, there were two 63s yesterday and a couple of 65s today. There are scores like that that can be shot out there. I'm just going to have to be aggressive, and capitalize when I have the good shots."

Triplett won last week's SAS Championship and the ACE Group Classic in February. On Saturday the 52-year-old from Moses Lake, Wash., had six birdies and a bogey.

"If you're striking the ball solid, you're going to have some birdie chances," Triplett said. "You can't be thinking you've going to shoot 2-under and move up or hold your place. You've got to be aggressive, and try to make a half-dozen birdies."

Durant started the second round tied with Haas for the lead, but the Champions Tour rookie slipped down the leaderboard following six birdies and four bogeys.

Three behind Haas in solo fifth at 9-under is Wayne Levi (66), while tied for sixth at 134 are Bill Glasson (68) and England's Roger Chapman (69). Jeff Sluman (66), Paul Goydos (67), John Cook (68) and Mike Goodes (69) share eighth at 135.

The runaway leader in the Charles Schwab Cup standings, five-time 2014 winner Bernhard Langer, isn't playing this week.

For complete scoring details, visit http://www.pgatour.com/champions/leaderboard.html.