WISE SHOOTS 64 TO TAKE LEAD AT HONDA CLASSIC

Aaron Wise is making PGA National look easy.

Wise shot his second straight 6-under 64 on Friday to take a three-stroke lead into the weekend at the Honda Classic in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. The 128 total is the lowest 36-hole score at PGA National since the tournament moved there 15 years ago — and marks the first 36-hole lead of Wise’s PGA Tour career.

“It’s two great rounds of golf and I love that, and I love that I’m playing good,” Wise said. “But this place can get to you pretty quick and there’s a lot of golf left ahead and a lot of trouble out there.”

He had a pair of eagles to highlight the day, his first two of 2021. Brandon Hagy (62) and first-round leader Matt Jones (70) were tied for second.

Wise birdied the last to finish off the 64, the eighth round of 64 or lower surrendered by PGA National this week. Until this year, there’s never been more than seven rounds of 64 or lower in the Honda on that course; last year, no player even broke 66.

San Diego native Phil Mickelson (68) made the cut with ease and was 1 under entering the weekend. Defending champion Sung jae Im had his second consecutive 68.

Elsewhere

Scott Hend and Kalle Samooja shared a one-shot lead after two rounds of the European Tour’s Kenya Open. Hend had eight birdies and only one bogey.

Notable

Brooks Koepka and past finalist Gary Woodland were among five players from the top 64 in the world who will not be playing in the Dell Technologies Match Play next week at Austin Country Club.