David Toms leads by a shot - Honda Classic 2006

Billy Mayfair was methodical, avoiding trouble and rarely making a risky play. David Toms was aggressive, costing himself a couple of strokes along the way.

The styles were different, but the results the same Friday in the Honda Classic.

Mayfair shot a bogey-free 67 to take sole possession of second place, one shot behind Toms after another day of fierce wind and fast greens.

"Yeah, we've had some high winds and there's been some tough scores out there and the conditions are tough," Mayfair said. "But for me, I just like playing that way. I like the way the greens are set up here a lot."

Mayfair birdied four of his final five holes, taking advantage of the less-perilous front nine to climb the leaderboard.

The front nine also was kind to Toms, who made six birdies on that half -- including a run of four straight for the second day in a row. He had 11 birdies on his two jaunts across the first nine, and was 10 under overall after his second consecutive 67.

Defending champion Padraig Harrington (67) was four strokes back in a group that included Daniel Chopra, who had an eagle and five birdies in a 65 -- the lowest round of the week.

"You don't have to hit bad shots to miss these greens and especially in conditions like this, it just makes it even that more difficult," Chopra said. "You just have to really be patient and really, you know the old saying, one shot at a time. This golf course is one of those golf courses."

When Toms lost his patience, he nearly lost the lead.

He was rolling along after his sizzling 31 on the front, and another birdie pushed him to 11 under after 12 holes -- allowing him to take a five-shot lead.

But an overaggressive approach on the 14th hole led to a bogey, and he chunked his approach at the 16th to drop another shot.

At the par-5 17th, he struck a perfect drive, which landed in a deep divot. From there, his second went over the green -- but he chipped in for eagle.

"Did a lot of good stuff today," Toms said. "I hit some bad shots, but overall, another good, solid round of golf and put myself right there with a chance to win the golf tournament going to the weekend. You know, that's what I'm here to try to do. So I'm in good position so far."

Geoff Ogilvy and Mathias Gronberg, part of a four-way tie for the lead after the first round, shot 71s on Friday to finish four strokes back along with Chopra and Harrington. Lee Westwood (66), Luke Donald (67) and Paul Azinger (67) were 5 under.

"I'm happy. I fought hard when I needed to in the wind and I hit some good shots as well, made some birdies on the more-birdieable holes," Harrington said. "It was quite pleasing."

Chopra hit 14 greens and had 27 putts Friday. He was paired with eventual winner Tiger Woods for the final round last week at Doral but struggled badly, shooting a 77 and plummeting down the leaderboard.

"I guess I licked my wounds, so to speak," Chopra said.

Mayfair's last victory came 228 starts ago, at the 1998 Buick Open, but he harkened back to some winning memories shortly before his second round began.

As he approached the driving range, a man approached Mayfair and showed him an old, yellowing golf ball -- one that Mayfair used to win the U.S. Amateur title 19 years ago at Jupiter Hills, just a few miles from Mirasol's Sunrise course.

"It was just a big thrill for me," Mayfair said.