Martin Laird still in touch as Sergio Garcia signs for a 66

Spain's Sergio Garcia, playing his first US PGA Tour event of the year, fired a 66 yesterday to move one shot behind leader Garrett Willis midway through the second round of the Transitions Championship.

American-based Scot Martin Laird, who was also among the early starts on day two, followed his opening 66 with a one-under-par 70 to stay in contention on six-under - three behind Willis.

Garcia birdied three of his first four holes after starting his round at the 10th and added two more birdies on his second nine in a bogey-free card that put him at eight-under-par 134.

Unheralded American Willis, the world No 277, overcame a bogey on the first hole with an eagle at the par-5 fifth and added three birdies to follow his opening 66 with a four-under 67 to set the pace at nine-under-par 133.

Overnight leader Paul Casey, who shot a flawless 64 to lead by two strokes after the opening round, and red-hot American Nick Watney, the winner of last week's WGC-Cadillac event who had 66 Thursday, were among the later starters.

Justin Rose blazed through the Copperhead course at Innisbrook with a 65 to join Brendon de Jonge of Zimbabwe (66) and Americans Marc Turnesa (67) and Roland Thatcher (67) on 135.

Rose gave full credit to a putter change, saying he wanted to go back to something with a little more feel.

"(The new putter is] something I've had in my garage for a few years," said the Englishman. "I used it in the '08 Masters. And it's just a different look. I think that's what I needed."