Webb Simpson shoots 8-under 63 to take 4-stroke lead in Las Vegas

Webb Simpson tees off on the 14th hole in the second round of the Shriners Hospitals for Children Open golf tournament, Friday, Oct. 18, 2013, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson) (The Associated Press)

Webb Simpson waves briefly to spectators after sinking a putt for birdie on the 14th green in the second round of the Shriners Hospitals for Children Open golf tournament, Friday, Oct. 18, 2013, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson) (The Associated Press)

LAS VEGAS – Webb Simpson opened a four-stroke lead Friday in the Shriners Hospitals for Children Open, taking advantage of perfect scoring conditions at TPC Summerlin.

Making his first start since helping the U.S. win the Presidents Cup, the 2012 U.S. Open champion shot an 8-under 63 to reach 15 under. He had nine birdies and a bogey — on the par-5 16th in his opening nine.

The four-stroke lead broke the tournament second-round record of three set by Lon Hinkle in 1984 and matched by Rich Fehr in 1996 — both when the event was 90 holes.

J.J. Henry followed his course-record 60 with a 71 to join John Senden, Jeff Overton, Chesson Hadley and Jason Bohn at 11 under. Bohn had a 64, Senden and Hadley shot 66, and Overton had a 68.

Defending champion Ryan Moore and Russell Knox were 10 under. Moore shot 63, and Knox had a 65.

Argentina's Andres Romero, second after a first-round 61, had an 81 to miss the cut.