Jason Dufner tees off on the ninth hole during the second round of the Transitions golf tournament on Friday in Palm Harbor, Fla.
Jason Dufner and Padraig Harrington felt cautious at times for different reasons Friday in the Transitions Championship. They also had a far different outcome.
Harrington was 12 shots worse than his course-record 61 in the opening round.
Dufner, trying to play more conservatively when he doesn't feel confident about attacking, made it through another round at Innisbrook without a bogey and posted a second straight 5-under 66 to take a two-shot lead into the weekend.
"Pretty stress-free round," Dufner said.
Harrington didn't feel as though he hit the ball much worse in a round of 73. He realized it would be difficult to back up his record score on the Copperhead course with another low score, and it crept into his putting, especially on the back nine.
"I'm happy with my game, but when you shoot a good score, it's hard to match the next day," Harrington said. "When you're leading the tournament, it's hard not to be a little bit cautious, and I think at times I was on the greens."
William McGirt had a 68 and joined Harrington at 8-under 134.
Luke Donald, who can return to No. 1 in the world with a win, had a 68 and was in the large group at 7-under 135 that included Puerto Rico Open winner George McNeill.
