Herron, Perry Share Lead at Valderrama

Two players who grew up in Minnesota, Tim Herron and Chris Perry, felt right at home on the southern coast of Spain on Friday as they took advantage of ideal conditions to share the 36-hole lead in the American Express Championship at Valderrama Golf Club in Sotogrande, Spain.

Herron made only one bad swing and had only one bogey in his round of five-under-par 66, while Perry continued his assault on the par-fives in a round of 67. That left them at 137, one stroke ahead of Justin Leonard and Vijay Singh.

This is the first World Golf Championship event in Europe and of the top 20 players through two rounds, 16 play on the PGA Tour.

“Europe has some very talented players, but I think our tour is deeper,” said Tom Lehman, who had a 67 and was two strokes back at 139. “Europe’s players are extremely good. We just have more of them.”

Tiger Woods had another strong finish for a 69, leaving him only three strokes off the lead. Despite making double bogey from a cart path, Woods was in good position to make a run at his fourth consecutive victory.

“No doubt, my best round is still ahead of me,” Woods said. “I’m in great shape.”

Colin Montgomerie, who has a lot at stake, had five bogeys in a round of 72. He has won six times on the European tour but needs a good finish here to wrap up his seventh consecutive money title.

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George Archer rode his extra-long driver to a three-stroke lead halfway through the Senior Tour Championship at Myrtle Beach, S.C.

Archer followed an opening-round 68 with a 67 and was at nine under par on the Dunes Golf & Beach Club. Christy O’Connor was tied with first-round co-leader Bruce Summerhays and Jose Maria Canizares at six under. O’Connor shot a 67, Summerhays a 71 and Canizares a 65, the tournament’s low round.