Saskatoon, SK – Jose de Jesus Rodriguez posted his second consecutive 5-under 67 on Friday to take the second-round lead of the Dakota Dunes Casino Open.
Rodriguez, last year's Order of Merit winner on the Canadian Tour, finished 36 holes at 10-under 134 and is one stroke clear at Dakota Dunes Golf Links.
Last week's playoff loser at the Syncrude Boreal Open, Matt Hill, shot a 4- under 68 and is tied for second place with Brandon Harkins, who carded a 6- under 66. The pair is knotted at 9-under 135.
Rodriguez got off to a great start on Friday with two birdies in his first four holes. He bogeyed the par-4 fifth, but got that stroke back with a birdie at the par-5 seventh.
Rodriguez birdied the par-3 11th to reach 8-under par for the championship. He closed with birdies at two of his last three holes, the 16th and 18th, both par-5s.
"I'm playing very well. My putter, my chipping, everything has been good," said Rodriguez.
It's been a slow start to the 2012 campaign for Rodriguez. He missed the cut last week and tied for 35th at the ATB Financial Classic two weeks ago.
"I need a bit more practice, but I'm feeling good about trying to win again," said Rodriguez.
First-round leader Michael Gligic (71), James Allenby (67), Nick Taylor (66), Wes Homan (65), Brad Tilley (66), Lucas Lee (67) and Tyler Harris (67) share fourth at minus-8.
NOTES: Defending champion Joe Panzeri shot his way back into the tournament with a 5-under 67. He is tied for 24th at minus-5...The 36-hole cut fell at 2- under 142 and this year's leading money winner, Cody Renfrew, missed the mark.
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