Carner Shoots 66, Takes 3-Stroke Lead as Wind Troubles Rest of LPGA Field

JoAnne Carner, powering the ball through gusting winds that bothered most of her competitors, fired a six-under-par 66 Friday to build a three-stroke lead after the second round of the $200,000 Elizabeth Arden golf tournament at Turnberry Isle Country Club.

Carner began the round two strokes behind the leaders, but quickly took control with a five-under 31 on the front nine of the 6,092-yard course. Her only birdie on the back nine came at the 17th, and she missed an 11-foot birdie putt on the final hole that would have allowed her to tie the course record.

Her two-round total of 136, eight-under par, left her three shots in front of Alice Miller, whose 69 Friday was the second-best round of the day.

Pat Bradley is in third place at 141, while first-round co-leader Cathy Morse is joined by Debbie Massey, Cindy Hill and Julie Inkster at 142.

Jane Blalock, who was tied with Morse for the top spot after a first-round 67, dropped back into the field with a 76 in the second round.

The field was trimmed to 81 at seven-under 151 or better for the final two rounds. Among the casualties were Jan Stephenson and Beth Daniel. They both shot 77 Friday, with Daniel coming in at 152 and Stephenson at 153.