Tiger only two shots behind Valspar leader

PALM HARBOR, FLA.» Corey Conners knew Tiger Woods had finished his second round at Innisbrook because he couldn’t see him. He was only about 50 yards from the ninth green, but there were too many fans covering every inch of grass, packed in a dozen deep because of Woods.

Woods brought the Valspar Championship to life Friday with his best round of a comeback that is building momentum toward the Masters next month.

Conners was happy to play a quiet round in the afternoon and wind up with the lead.

The Canadian rookie ran off three birdies before a careless error set him back, but he finished with a 2-under-par 69 for a two-shot lead going into the weekend. Right on his heels: Woods, who kept a clean card until his final hole and shot a 68.

Conners was at 6-under 136 overall and will play in the final group with Paul Casey, who shot a 68. Woods and Brandt Snedeker (68) will be in the group in front of them, with thousands of fans lining the fairways and surrounding the greens.

“I don’t think this will be leading, but at least I’m there with a chance going into the weekend,” Woods said when he finished. “Today was a good day.”

Pernice in control on Champions Tour.

Tom Pernice Jr. shot a bogey-free 7-under 64 for a threeshot lead at the Toshiba Classic. The 58year-old Pernice, a five-time winner on the PGA Tour Champions, had never played particularly well at the Newport Beach Country Club.

Grillo cruising at Indian Open.

Emiliano Grillo took a four-stroke lead at the Indian Open by shooting a 4under 68. The Argentine golfer had five birdies and a bogey, lowering his total to 11-under 133 for the tournament.