Wichita, KS--Gavin Coles and Matt Kuchar moved into a share of the lead at the halfway point of the $500,000 Preferred Health Systems Wichita Open.

Coles posted a Crestview Country Club course record with a career-best 10-under 61, while Kuchar added a 7-under 64 to move to 12-under-par 130 and a one stroke cushion over Hunter Haas (64). Barry Cheesman (66), Josh Broadaway (67) and Scott Parel (67) are just two shots back at 10-under.

Coles’ bogey-free round was highlighted by a 30-footer for birdie on the par-3 17th hole. For the day the Aussie hit 12 of 14 fairways and 14 of 18 greens in regulation, while needing just 22 putts.

“Every now and then it clicks and you have a nice day,” said Coles, currently No. 30 on the official money list. “It is always fun when the ball is going in the hole.”

Precise iron shots were the key for Coles on Friday, helping him better his career low round of 63 at the 2004 Price Cutter Charity Championship by two shots. Of ten birdies, seven came from eight feet or less.

“I hit it inside of ten feet a lot today,” said Coles, the owner of two career wins on the Nationwide Tour. “It was a lot of fun. You just have to go out there and play tee to green and make a few putts.”

While Coles’ 61 topped the course record of 62 set by Deane Pappas a year ago, it only equaled the tournament record set by Eric Hoos and Greg Fleisher at Reflection Ridge Golf Club in 1991 and later matched by Emlyn Aubrey at Willowbend Golf Club in 1998.

Kuchar also made his share of short putts for birdie, with six coming from ten feet or less. The only exception for the former U.S. Amateur champion was a chip-in for birdie from 20 feet on the par-4 11th hole.

Matt Kuchar posted a 7-under 64 to move to the top of the leaderboard (Hallowell/WireImage)

“I had a lot of birdie opportunities,” said Kuchar. “Any time you putt well its fun out there.”

The former Georgia Tech Yellow Jacket and 2002 Honda Classic champion is looking to add another tournament title to the one he won earlier this year at the Henrico County Open.

“It sure does feel good to get a win because they come so seldom in golf,” said Kuchar. “My game is in good form. I’ve been playing pretty good golf the past month or so.”

Kuchar could have played in this week’s U.S. Bank Championship on the PGA TOUR, but instead opted to better his current No. 22 ranking on the Nationwide Tour money list.

“I realize this is the place I need to be,” said Kuchar. “My attitude is I don’t feel disappointed to be out here. I’m having a good time out here.”

Second Round News & Notes: Lift, clean and place was in effect for the second consecutive round due to wet conditions at Crestview CC … The cut came at 4-under-par 138 with a season-high and tournament-record 76 players advancing to the weekend … Michael Putnam, at 7-under, extended his Tour-leading cuts made streak to 12 … Chez Reavie, at 9-under, is now a perfect 14 of 14 in cuts made during his young Nationwide Tour career, including three in 2005 and the first 11 this season … Kenny Knox, at 5-under, holed out from 65 yards for eagle on the par-5 18th hole to make the cut … Josh Broadaway, at 10-under, posted his second consecutive bogey-free round. There were 18 such rounds on Friday, bringing the total for the week to 31 … Kyle Tetley became the first player this week with two eagles in a round (Nos. 14 & 18) … The 36-hole leader has gone on to win seven times in the 16-year history of the tournament, most recently Tyler Williamson in 2002 … In 17 tournaments so far in 2006, the 36-hole leader has gone on to win three times (Tripp Isenhour in both of his wins and Hunter Haas at the Knoxville Open) … Craig Bowden (lower back injury) and Stiles Mitchell withdrew during the second round.