NARITA, JAPAN - Scott McCarron, a two-time winner in 2019 already, made a 20-footer on 18 to grab the outright lead after 36 holes of the Mastercard Japan Championship. McCarron fired a 67 on Saturday at Narita Golf Club to hold a one-shot lead over Kirk Triplett with Sunday's final round looming.

McCarron started hot with four birdies on his outward nine and a birdie on the par-5 tenth. His only true hiccup of the day was a bogey at 14.

"It was a tough day to judge what the wind was doing," explained McCarron after his round. "I drove the ball extremely well again today, which you've got to do here. Hit a lot of fairways and I had a lot of opportunities. I left a few out there coming down the stretch. but to finish off with birdie there feels pretty good."

McCarron won the Mitsubishi Electric Classic and the Insperity Invitaitonal earlier this season. He leads the Schwab Cup standings by over $400,000.

"I certainly play with a lot of confidence, that's the big thing. I come out, I want to play, I want to work out, I want to eat right, all those things and I think just having that fun factor too."

Triplett, who won the Hoag Classic earlier this season, turned in a 4-under 68 in Round 2.

Yeah, I'm thrilled to be in position," said Triplett. "A good round tomorrow will give me a chance to win it and that's what you're shooting for come Friday morning, so I'm excited."

The round of the day was had by Cliff Kresge, who didn't find out he got into the Japan field until late Saturday night in Des Moines, Iowa. Kresge was the second to last player in. He posted a career-best on PGA TOUR Champions 6-under 66 and is two off the lead.