Tournament Notebook

PLAYA DEL CARMEN, Mexico - Joe Durant shot a 5-under 66 on Friday to increase his lead to two strokes in the PGA Tour's Mayakoba Golf Classic.

The 45-year-old Durant, a four-time tour winner, had a 12-under 130 total on the Mayakoba Resort's Greg Norman-designed El Camaleon course. He opened with a 64.

``I think the key today is I stayed very patient,'' Durant said. ``I bogeyed the first hole, but I said, `It's a long day. Let's be patient and give ourselves some opportunities.' Birdied 12 and 13, so then I felt like I was rolling again.

``Last year I probably would not have been as patient as I was today.''

J.P. Hayes (67) was second, and Cameron Beckman (68) was another stroke back at 9 under. Tom Pernice Jr. (68) and Brian Stuard (67) were 8 under.

John Daly was tied for 17th at 5 under after a 69. David Duval, second last week at Pebble Beach, followed his opening 71 with a 79 to miss the cut.

Durant birdied his final two holes, the par-5 eighth and par-4 ninth.

``The par 5, No. 8, was straight downwind. Made an easy birdie there,'' Durant said. ``And then nine, hit a good tee shot. Second shot was a little short. Had about probably a 30-footer, but made a really nice putt.''

Finishing in the rain, Hayes also closed with birdies on Nos. 8 and 9.

``The wind, first of all, was from a different direction, then the last four or five holes we got some rain,'' Hayes said. ``I think it always evens out, because some holes are downwind and some now into the wind. Definitely, I thought it was a little more difficult than yesterday.''

Hayes, a two-time tour winner, had five birdies and a bogey.

``I managed my game really today. I wouldn't say I hit it great, I just managed it well,'' Hayes said. ``Pretty much stayed out of trouble, except for one bad drive. Had to take a penalty shot on No. 5, which is going to happen out here. Overall, pretty good.''

He lives across the border in El Paso, Texas.

``I love Mexico,'' he said. ``This resort is fabulous. The players that haven't been here need to come down and check it out, because it's a great tournament on a great course at a great resort.''