SAN DIEGO — Brandt Snedeker didn't know how golf could get any better than an opening-round 61 until he walked up the 18th fairway to a standing ovation Friday after expanding his lead and the size of his gallery at the Buick Invitational.

"I thought, 'This is what it feels like to be Tiger Woods,' " he said.

Snedeker overcame some sloppy tee shots with brilliant iron play for a 2-under 70 on the menacing South Course at Torrey Pines, giving the 26-year-old rookie a 13-under 131 total and a three-shot lead over Charles Howell III (64—134) going into the weekend.

Former Honolulu resident Parker McLachlin shot a 5-under 67 to vault into contention at 137.

McLachlin, a Punahou School alum, had seven birdies and two bogeys on the North Course, considered the easier of the two courses used in the competition.

Woods is tied for 12th at 138 (66-72).

In other news, McLachlin, who holds the course record of 59 on Waikoloa's Beach Course, has signed to become the touring golf pro for Waikoloa Beach & Golf Resort.

"I'm very excited about starting this great relationship with Waikoloa Beach & Golf Resort, which I consider to be the premier beach resort in Hawai'i," McLachlin said in a press release.

"Waikoloa holds a special place in my heart and has been the site for many great memories, including my course-record 59. I've visited and played at Waikoloa since I was 10 years old, and I'm thrilled to be on the PGA Tour representing the resort, its residents and guests."