Zimmerman Shoots 69, Leads by 2 at Phoenix

Mary Beth Zimmerman overcame a bothersome stomach ailment to shoot a three-under-par 69 Friday and take the second-round lead in the $250,000 Turquoise golf tournament with a 137 total.

Amy Alcott and Pat Meyers are second at 139. Alcott shot a 70, Meyers a 68.

Three shots behind the leader were LPGA money leader Patty Sheehan, Rosie Jones, Sherri Turner and Jane Crafter.

Zimmerman said she spent most of the day suffering from from what she believes was a slight case of food poisoning. “It was just a gnawing pain all day,” she said. “I decided to make pars and let the birdies fall where they may (on the front nine). On the back nine, I decided to try to take advantage of my opportunities.”

It brought forth immediate results, as Zimmerman chipped in from 30 feet at the par-four 10th hole for a birdie. “When I chipped in on 10, I felt a lot better,” she said. “That kind of thing can cure any ailment.”