The last time Cameron Beckman played in the HP Byron Nelson Championship prior to this year was in 2007. He shot 80 in the first round and withdrew.

“Thanks for reminding me,” Beckman joked. “My back was bothering me both years and I remember the last time I was here, I did play poorly, but it's been a while ago and I'm looking forward to the weekend.”

Beckman has 61 reasons to look forward to the weekend after tying the course record earlier today, especially since then there hasn’t been much upward movement on the leaderboard from the afternoon wave.

While Beckman said he has no explanation as to why he’s had such a feast or famine year – one win, eight missed cuts in 11 events – he did say one of the big differences this week has been his hand alignment.

“I know that sounds simple but my alignment has been all over the place,” Beckman said. “My iron game hasn't been good and haven't driven it well either.”

Until this week, that is. Beckman is fifth in driving accuracy and fourth in greens in regulation in the field so far. Beckman has, however, been a little distracted. He’s apparently been learning to fly.

“I haven't been focused as much on golf,” Beckman said. “You have to be focusing all the time out here to be competitive, or you're going to get your butt kicked.” -- Brian Wacker

In tying the course record with a 9-under 61, Cameron Beckman's 9-under 61 posted nine birdies, avoid any bogeys, needed just 24 putts and hit 15 of 18 greens and 11 of 14 fairways.

It's the lowest score Beckman has ever posted in 974 career rounds on the PGA TOUR. His previous low was 63, which he's shot three times, the latest coming at the 2008 Frys.com Open.

Here's a look at each of those nine birdies in Friday's second round (Beckman started his round on the 10th tee):

The best round of the day right now belongs to Cameron Beckman, who shot a course-record tying 61 that included nine birdies ( click here to replay with Shot Tracker). Statistically, it was about a good a round as one could ask for even on day that’s been perfect for scoring -- Ben Crane already shot a 64. Beckman hit 83 percent of his greens in regulation and just under 80 percent of his fairways while taking a mere 24 putts. The 61 also represents a career-low for the San Antonio resident, who has shot 63 three times. It also moves him to the top of the leaderboard right now at 10 under through 36 holes as Beckman seeks his fourth career win on the PGA TOUR.

Speaking of 61, that number has been achieved a few times in the HP Byron Nelson Championship (see chart). Ironically, no one has won posting that number, though. -- Brian Wacker

Previous rounds of 61 recorded at HP Byron Nelson Championship