Farmington, Pa. ? Stuart Appleby, looking for his first victory since January, unleashed big drive after big drive during his sixth consecutive round in the 60s at the 84 Lumber Classic to open a one-shot lead Friday over an equally long hitter, Chris Smith, and a very accurate Cameron Beckman.

Appleby’s 6-under 66 on the long but not especially trouble-filled 7,416-yard Mystic Rock course put him at 11-under 133. Beckman’s 65 and Smith’s 66 put them at 134, or two shots better than Craig Barlow, Joey Sindelar and Carl Pettersson.

Appleby, who tied for second last year, had what appeared to be a relatively easy three-footer for par and a two-shot lead on No. 18. But he missed it badly, leaving him a bogey putt nearly as long, and he settled for a one-shot edge.

“I thought I hit it online, but I think I definitely pulled it,” he said.

Appleby is among eight golfers using the 84 Lumber to sharpen their games for next week’s Presidents Cup, but only Justin Leonard – three shots back – is relatively close to the lead. Defending champion Vijay Singh and Stewart Cink are seven behind, and Jim Furyk and Fred Couples missed the cut. So did John Daly, the unofficial tournament host, a year after he finished in a 13th-place tie.

Phil Mickelson, 11 off the lead at even-par 144, flirted with missing the cut for the first time all year, but just made it.