Everyday Breaking News

PARAMUS, N.J. — Jason Day can't seem to get a straight answer from doctors on the mysterious health issues sapping away at his energy. He at least knows exactly where he stands after two rounds of The Barclays.

A tournament that once looked as though it might belong to Tiger Woods shifted late Friday to the hands of the 22-year-old Australian, who showed some of his great promise with three late birdies for a 4-under-par 67 and a one-shot lead.

Nine players had at least a share of the lead at some point during the second round until Day's late surge. He was at 8-under 134, one shot clear of Kevin Streelman (63) and Vaughn Taylor (70) going into the weekend of the FedEx Cup's first of four playoff events.

"I just tried to stay as patient as possible, and it just kind of fell in my lap, which was really good," Day said.

Woods, the top-ranked player in the world, didn't so much lose his patience as much as his putting stroke. Part of that was playing in the afternoon on greens that became bumpy under foot traffic and a day of hot sun, as Woods expected.

He wasn't planning on missing a 20-inch par putt on the fifth hole, or failing to make a birdie on the easier front nine.

"I didn't hit it bad at all," Woods said. "I hit it really good. As I said, I didn't putt really well. I hit it as good as I did yesterday. If I don't make putts, I don't score."

Woods wound up with a 73, eight shots worse than his opening round, and was tied for 14th place.

Woods will stay atop the world ranking for at least another week after second-ranked Phil Mickelson (72-74 — 146) missed the cut.

Players with scores worse than 142 missed the cut, a group that included Ryan Moore (74-71 — 145) of Puyallup and ex-Washington Huskies player Alex Prugh (71-74 — 145) of Spokane.

Woods was four shots behind: He has missed two fairways in two rounds, although he never used his driver in the second round.

"You play around here and post good numbers, you'll move up the board," he said.