Patient Koepka seizes lead in Memphis

Brooks Koepka`s decision to squeeze in one more tournament before next week`s US Open was paying off on Friday as the American grabbed the 36-hole lead at the St. Jude Classic.

Koepka fired a three-under-par 67 at TPC Southwind in Memphis for a nine-under total of 131.

He had a one-stroke lead over fellow American Austin Cook, who surged up the leaderboard with a six-under 64.

New Zealand`s Steven Alker led during the round, but faded late, finishing with a bogey at the par-three eighth followed by a double-bogey at the ninth in a 68 for 133.

"I let it slip at the end," said Alker, who had moved as low as 10-under. "That`s the type of golf course it is."

Alker was still pleased to find himself in Saturday`s final group as he searches for a first top-25 finish this season.

"It`s fun," he said. "I haven`t been in this position all year. A bad finish, but a lot of positives."

England`s Greg Owen, who shared the overnight lead with Koepka and Ryan Palmer, signed for a 70 to join a group of seven players sharing fourth place on 134.

Palmer posted a one-over 71 to fall into a tie for 11th.

Koepka saw his form drop off after a solid start to the season that included a victory in the Phoenix Open.

He added this week`s tournament at the last minute in a bid to sharpen his game for the US Open, and said he was managing to stick to his game plan of playing less aggressive, more patient golf.

"I`m just playing really solid," Koepka said. "Not really too exciting, just playing solid golf -- no mistakes."

Five-time major champion Phil Mickelson, also tuning up for a US Open tilt next week at Chambers Bay, posted a one-under 69 that left him three-under and six shots off Koepka`s lead.

Mickelson saw a few birdie chances just fail to fall, but said he couldn`t call the greens unfair.

"They don`t owe me anything," he said. "They`re trickier because they`re fast."

Mickelson remained optimistic about his weekend chances since he "hit a lot more good shots" to reach the greens.

"There aren`t holes that are just `gimme` birdies that can kind of kick-start your round," he said. "But if I can shoot five-, six-, seven-under par, I`ll be right in contention on Sunday."