Charles Howell III carded a second-straight bogey-free round of 64 at Sea Island Golf Club and will take a three-shot lead into the third round of the RSM Classic.

The 39-year old Georgian finished the day at the par-70 Seaside course with 12 pars and six birdies, highlighted by four gains on his final five holes to secure the halftime lead at 14-under par.

“We used to own a house here, so spent quite a bit of time here,” said Howell when asked about his playing experience on the Sea Island Resort’s courses.

“I’ve played the golf courses enough, I think it’s more about playing them in tournament shape, so to speak, with the greens this speed. The rough is what it is, so you’re trying to kind of gauge that a little bit.

“But yeah, it’s always fun to watch a golf course change and get right up to tournament time. Holy cow, I’ve never seen the greens quite this fast and this, so it does change quite a bit.”

Three off the pace was rising star Cameron Champ, who finished with a 63 – also on the Seaside course, to sit T2 at 11-under par alongside Jason Gore (63).

One further back was Nick Watney who signed for a 64 on the Plantation course to reach solo fourth at 9 under, one clear of a trio at T5 which included David Hearn (66), Ryan Blaum (65), and Brian Harman (68).

Defending champion Austin Cook shot a 3-over 73 to tumble 47 spots down the leaderboard to T47 at 3-under par

THE RSM CLASSIC

TOP 5 LEADERS: ROUND TWO

Pos-Player-To Par (Today)
1. Charles Howell III -14 (-6)
2. Jason Gore -11 (-7)
2. Cameron Champ -11 (-7)
4. Nick Watney -9 (-8)
5. David Hearn -8 (-6)
5. Ryan Blaum -8 (-5)
5. Brian Harman -8 (-4)

QUICK HITS

Low Round: Nick Watney (8-under 64, Plantation)
High Round: Mackenzie Hughes (10-over 80, Plantation)
Top Marksman: Charles Howell (92.9% Fairways, 94.% Greens)
Long Bomber: Wyndham Clark (307.2 yards)

RADIO CALL OF THE DAY

VIDEO: ROUND-TWO HIGHLIGHTS