Britain's Ian Poulter ignored the rain to take the clubhouse lead midway through the Barclays Classic second round Friday. Poulter posted three birdies and four bogeys in miserable conditions at the 7,400-yard Liberty National to register a one-over-par 72 and a three-under aggregate of 139. Overnight co-leaders Paul Goydos and Steve Marino, who opened with 65s, were late starters as was world number one Tiger Woods (70). With no run on the rain-softened fairways and with winds blowing across the scenic course by New York harbor, par was a good score for the select field competing in the first leg of the PGA Tour's four-tournament FedExCup series. Americans Bill Haas (70) and Charles Howell III (70) produced the only sub-par rounds of the morning to finish on 142 and 146 respectively. “It was brutally tough when the rain started and the wind picked up but I hung in there,” Poulter told reporters. “I'm a little disappointed to make bogey on two of the par-fives. That was a little bit careless and frustrating.” American Charley Hoffman was one stroke behind Poulter after shooting a 74 for 140. Spain's Sergio Garcia, who also shared the overnight lead, slid to a 76 for 141. “It was hands down the longest course I've played this year, the way it was playing,” said Garcia. “I don't know how many five, four and three-irons I hit into the green. I (also) hit some woods into the green.” Triple major champion Padraig Harrington returned a 75 for 142. “I am used to it (the rain) but it doesn't mean I like it,” said the Irishman.
