JP Hayes recovered from a mid-round crisis to take the halfway lead in the Honda Classic at Coral Springs, Florida yesterday.

He suffered a lapse of concentration during his second round of 67 but regrouped to post a 12-under-par 132 for a one-stroke lead over Ryder Cup golfer Hal Sutton and another American, David Sutherland, both of whom shot 66.

Aaron Baddeley, the 18-year-old Australian amateur who is making his US tour debut, comfortably qualified for the final two days with a 68 for a seven-under 137, the cut falling at four under par - just one shot outside the PGA tour record.

Keith Nolan was all of six shots from making it, having destroyed his chances with a 75 in the first round. His shot 71 yesterday for a total of 146.

Hayes, who set out from the 10th tee, birdied three of his first nine holes before three-putting the first green after setting out from the tenth tee.

"I played very well at the start but then started to lose my concentration and hit a couple of goofy shots. I really don't know what happens, maybe it was just playing and not sleeping well or not eating the right thing. Fortunately I realised it was happening today," said Hayes. After also bogeying the fifth hole he birdied three of the last four, sinking a 12-foot putt on the ninth green.

Sutton, who came perilously close to losing his playing privileges a few years ago, continued the rejuvenation that earned him a Ryder Cup recall after 12 years.

"I will never forget that down time," he said. "I don't know how close I was to quitting - that is the only thing I can say. But I don't think my confidence has ever been higher than it is now."

He had six birdies in a flawless performance yesterday.