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Kuchar takes 2-shot lead into weekend at Mayakoba Golf Classic

Rob Carr / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Matt Kuchar carded his second-straight 7-under 64 on Friday at the Mayakoba Golf Classic to carry a two-shot lead into the weekend in Mexico.

The 40-year-old birdied five consecutive holes early in his round, and he drained a lengthy bogey putt on No. 12 to avoid disaster. He sits at 14-under through 36 holes.

Kuchar, whose wife caddied for Zach Johnson yesterday in an emergency situation, hired the services of a local caddie nicknamed "Tucan" for his week at El Camaleon Golf Club. The move is paying off so far, as Kuchar has shot 64 in back-to-back rounds to open an event for the first time since 2008, according to Justin Ray of Golf Channel.

The veteran is looking for his first PGA Tour win since 2014.

Chasing Kuchar is rookie Cameron Champ, who fired a scorching 9-under 62 on Friday. After his round, Champ said he was so locked in he "forgot what par was."

The two pacesetters in Mexico are succeeding while playing contrasting styles of golf. Champ ranks first in driving distance, averaging 330 yards off the tee, 40 yards further than Kuchar. Meanwhile, Kuchar tops the field in driving accuracy after missing only three fairways over two rounds.

Tony Finau and Rickie Fowler are tied for 20th after Day 2, six strokes behind Kuchar.

Jordan Spieth finished two strokes shy of the cut, and with no events remaining on his schedule, 2018 will be the first winless year of the 25-year-old's PGA Tour career.

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