DUBLIN, Ohio (AP) — Rickie Fowler tied the 36-hole record at the Memorial yesterday with a 6-under 66 that gave him a four-shot lead as storm clouds again moved over Muirfield Village.

The 21-year-old Fowler, who lost in a playoff on the PGA Tour last fall and was runner-up in Phoenix this year, pulled away with three straight birdies late in his round to reach 13-under 131. That tied the tournament mark set by Scott Hoch in 1987.

"Just being in contention the few times I have over the last eight months, this is by far the best I've felt," Fowler said.

Defending champion Tiger Woods is starting to feel a little better, too.

Woods was just inside the projected cut line when he started, and with his lackluster play on a course that can penalise errant shots, there was some question whether he would be around for all four rounds in his final event before the US Open.

Those questions didn't last long. He birdied three of the opening five holes, then ran off three straight birdies on his front nine to offset the few mistakes for a 69. He was at 3-under 141, 10 shots behind, but still playing.

"I hit more good shots today than I did yesterday, and really putted well," Woods said.

Tim Petrovic had a 66 and was at 9-under 135, while Byron Nelson winner Jason Day shot 69 and was another stroke back.

Fowler was guaranteed four rounds in the Columbus area when he arrived. No matter what happens this week, he has to go through 36 holes of US Open qualifying on Monday, having to failed to crack the top 50 in the world ranking last month.

That he even had a chance to move into the top 50 at such a young age speaks to his potential.

The former Oklahoma State star turned pro last fall and made a quick impression. He tied for seventh in Las Vegas, and the following week at the Fry's.com Open outside Phoenix, he lost in a three-way playoff.

Fowler had a chance to win the Phoenix Open in February until he couldn't make birdie down the stretch and finished one shot behind.