Putnam takes early advantage

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Michael Putnam took advantage of good scoring opportunities at the OHL Classic at Mayakoba on Friday morning to claim a one-shot lead.

The American journeyman birdied five of his first eight holes in his second round 64 at El Camaleon Golf Club to finish with a round of 64.

At the halfway mark in Playa del Carmen, the 31-year-old is on 12-under, a single shot in front of Stefani and Jason Bohn, who each carded 65s.

A further shot back on 10-under was another American Ken Duke, whose second round 63 was the lowest of the day.

“We teed off at 6:15 this morning and it was pretty calm,” the 2013 Web.com Tour Player of the Year told Golf Channel.

“Actually the wind was opposite to what it usually is just because it was so early so we had some holes down wind and some pretty easy holes to start off.

“And then coming in, I made a few birdies and got it to seven under today. I’ve been working really hard on my game … and it’s coming into place. Hopefully I’ll have a good weekend.

Putnam and Stefani are both still winless on the PGA Tour, but the latter’s putter in particular was in hot form on the day, sinking seven birdies in his round.

“I’ve been hitting the ball really well for quite some time now,” said the 32-year-old Stefani.

“The last two days really have been credit to my putter. I kind of figured something out on Wednesday and I’ve just focused on that. I felt really comfortable on the greens and therefore I’ve made a lot of putts.”

Former major winners Angel Cabrera of Argentina, American Lucas Glover and Ireland’s Padraig Harrington among all failed to make the cut, which was set at three-under-par 139.

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