Americans Pernice, Overton provide fireworks at ATT golf National

AFP ©

BETHESDA, Maryland (AFP) - Americans Jeff Overton and Tom Pernice share a three-shot lead after the rain-interrupted second round of the six million dollar PGA ATT National on Friday.

Pernice matched the course record with a blistering seven-under 63 while Overton, who hasn't finished in the top 20 all year, fired a 65 to reach nine-under 131 at the Congressional Country Club course.

"I finally made a cut," said Overton in celebration.

Overton had not broken par since the last week in April and has missed the cut in six of his past seven tournaments.

"It was one of best ball striking rounds I've had probably in my whole life," the 25-year-old Overton said. "I hit a lot of two-irons just because I knew I could hit 7-, 6- or 5-irons into the green I was very confident with it. It was a fun round."

Pernice, 48, warmed up after his first five holes with a string of four-straight birdies beginning at the par-four sixth hole. He added three birdies on the back nine, including one to close his round at the par-four 18th.

"I'm obviously very happy with the round and how it turned out," he said. "You don't hit that many iron shots that end up that close. That really makes it nice. But the rain we got this morning made it much more playable."

Anthony Kim is third at six-under 134 after carding his second consecutive 67 in a round that was interrupted for one hour because of rain.

A group of seven players are at five-under, including Australians Rod Pampling and Nick O'Hern who shot 69 and 65.

"The greens were a lot softer," Pampling said. "We obviously had that rain this morning, so it was difficult to get it close to some of the pins.

"A lot of times we had short irons and you really had to be careful not to spin it too much."

It marked the second time this year that Pernice shot a 63. He also posted the same score in the final round of the St. Jude Championship last month en route to tying for eighth.

Pernice, who missed the cut last week at the Buick Open, is seeking his first win on the PGA Tour in seven years.

First-round leader Steve Marino is also at five-under after an even-par 70.

Defending champion K.J. Choi has fallen eight shots back of the leaders after a one-over 71 dropped him to one-under 129 and a tie for 26th.

The event was supposed to be hosted by Tiger Woods who underwent surgery to repair a torn ACL in his left knee three weeks ago.