Stricker claims early halfway lead

Defending champion Steve Stricker reeled in four-shot overnight leader Hunter Mahan and grabbed the early second-round lead at The Barclays today.

Mahan had laid down his marker for the first of four FedEx Cup play-off tournaments by blasting a nine-under-par 62 opening round at the 7,319-yard at Ridgewood Country Club course in New Jersey, four shots better than second-placed Paul Casey of England.