Overton and Pernice share lead at halfway point of AT&T National

7/5/2008

Jeff Overton doesn't feel like a different player than the guy who could couldn't make it to the weekend on the PGA Tour over the last two months. Funny how seeing the ball go in the hole changes everything.

Overton continued his one-week turnaround Friday with a 5-under 65, giving him a share of the lead with Tom Pernice Jr. in the AT&T National before storms rained on the Fourth of July atmosphere at Congressional and interrupted the second round.

Overton and Pernice, who matched the course record on a soft, still day at Congressional with a 63, were at 9-under 131.

Anthony Kim, living up to his billing as the next young threat in golf, appeared poised to catch the leaders until a 1-hour storm delay that slowed his momentum. A bogey on the par-5 ninth gave him a 67, three shots behind with Cliff Kresge (65).

Consider how quickly Overton's prospects have changed.

He hasn't finished in the top 20 all year. He had not broken par since the last week in April. He missed the cut at the Buick Open last week, his sixth weekend off in his last seven tournaments.

He stuck around Detroit for a British Open qualifier -- Overton has never played in any major -- and was 9 under par over two rounds to finish first in his field and earn a ticket to Royal Birkdale.

Leaderboard – Round 2:

1.  Tom Pernice jr.         USA  68 63 131 - 9
     Jeff Overton             USA  66 65 131 - 9
3.  Cliff Kresge              USA  69 65 134 - 6
     Anthony Kim             USA  67 67 134 - 6
5.  John Merrick             USA  71 64 135 - 5
     Steve Stricker           USA  71 64 135 - 5
     Jeff Maggert             USA  70 65 135 - 5
     Nick O´Hern              AUS  70 65 135 - 5
     Billy Mayfair              USA  67 68 135 - 5
     Rod Pampling           AUS  66 69 135 - 5
     Steve Marino             USA  65 70 135 - 5

Source: AP, PGA Tour