Round 2: HP Byron Nelson Championship

PGA TOUR rookie Blake Adams has battled injuries all his life. His doctors have told him he suffers from the arthritis of a 60-year-old. They mentioned the possibility of a hip replacement. He has more broken bones than he can count, torn rotator cuffs, suffered bone spurs and a bulging disc.

“I’ve been beat and battered all my life,” he said.

But after spending last year on the Nationwide Tour — “the healthiest year I’ve had as a pro” — Adams may have turned the corner. His body still creaks and cracks when he gets out of bed, but he can at least play top-level golf on a consistent basis.

And thanks to a 6-under 64 on Friday, Adams goes into the weekend at the HP Byron Nelson Championship in serious contention for his first PGA TOUR title. He’s tied for the second-round lead with Cameron Beckman at 10 under through 36 holes.

“It’s been hard because obviously I’ve had success in everything that I’ve always done sportswise,” said the 34-year-old Adams, who lives in Georgia. “To be held back from an injury versus just being held back because you’re not good enough, that’s kinda hard to swallow for me.”

What hasn’t been hard to swallow is his play here at TPC Four Seasons Resort. His bogey-free 64 included a run of three consecutive birdies to finish his front nine. He’s suffered just one bogey this week, tying Jeff Overton for fewest by any player in the field.

“I’ve always believed in myself,” Adams said. “… I knew that if I was healthy, I could do things.”

Now he gets a chance to do very big things this weekend. — Mike McAllister