THE WOODLANDS, Texas -- Will Swift carded a 2-under-par 70 to lead Alabama's effort Wednesday in taking the lead over defending champion Texas after two rounds at the 2007 USGA Men's State Team Championship. Swift began his round with three consecutive birdies and Talbert Griffin ended with a 1-under 71 to give Alabama a second-round total of 7-under-par 141 at the Fazio Course at the Club at Carlton Woods.
Texas, which led after the first round, fell into a tie with South Carolina, two shots back.
Swift, who along with Alabama's third team member, Steve Hudson, was on the state's 2005 runner-up team, has a sparkling two-day total of 137. Still, Swift thinks there is room for improvement.
'I think I can play a little better,' Swift said. 'I left a lot of putts out there.'
The best two scores of each state's three players are counted in each of three days of the competition, which concludes Thursday. Hudson had a 1-over-73 Wednesday, meaning his effort wasn't counted toward Alabama's total for the day.
The Texas team of Trip Kuehne, Jonathan Mathias and Terrence Miskell combined for a 146 on Wednesday. Kuehne particularly struggled, going 5-over during his final 10 holes, finishing with a 74. Miskell had the same score, while Mathias finished at even-par.
The South Carolina team, which was behind by eight shots after round one, continues to push for its first title. Steve Liebler led the effort Wednesday with a 68, while Rick Cloninger shot a 2-under 70.
Georgia is alone in fourth at minus-4, while Tennessee, the 2003 champ, is tied with Maryland at 3-under.
There are 52 teams from all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia entered in this event, which takes place every other year.
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