Gary Woodland fired a second consecutive 67 to move three clear at the winner’s only Tournament of Champions at Kapalua Resort, Hawaii.
Fresh off a 10-club equipment deal with Wilson, the 34-year-old battled the strong winds to sit comfortably ahead of first-round leader, Kevin Tway, Bryson DeChambeau and Rory McIlroy.
It was a sensational run of five birdies in a row from the 11th that sent Woodland soaring on Thursday before he closed with another on the final hole to stretch his lead.
McIlroy dropped a shot early, but was another who played brilliantly in the wind on the way in, with four birdies helping him to a 68, one better than his opening effort.
Second round leaderboard:
134 – Gary Woodland 67-67
137 – Bryson DeChambeau 69-68, Rory McIlroy (NIR) 69-68, Kevin Tway 66-71
138 – Marc Leishman (AUS) 68-70
139 – Xander Schauffele 72-67, Cameron Champ 71-68, Justin Thomas 67-72
140 – Ian Poulter (ENG) 71-69, Jason Day (AUS) 69-71, Patton Kizzire 69-71
141 – Jon Rahm (ESP) 70-71, Dustin Johnson 67-74
142 – Webb Simpson 70-72, Andrew Putnam 69-73