SPORTS

Loupe leads Wells Fargo; Mickelson, Fowler in hunt

Associated Press
Published | Updated

Phil Mickelson watches his tee shot on the fourth hole during the second round of the Wells Fargo Championship golf tournament at Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte, N.C., Friday, May 6, 2016. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton) (The Associated Press)

Phil Mickelson watches his putt on the fifth hole during the second round of the Wells Fargo Championship golf tournament at Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte, N.C., Friday, May 6, 2016. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton) (The Associated Press)

Phil Mickelson greets fans on the fourth hole during the second round of the Wells Fargo Championship golf tournament at Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte, N.C., Friday, May 6, 2016. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton) (The Associated Press)

Andrew Loupe took a 1-stroke lead over Roberto Castro at 8 under at the Wells Fargo Championship, while Phil Mickelson and Rickie Fowler were close behind heading into the weekend.

Loupe shot a 1-under 71 on Friday, an up-and-down round with four birdies and three bogeys. Castro had a 66 for the best round of the day. He eagled No. 18, one of the toughest closing holes on the PGA Tour.

Chesson Hadley and Mark Hubbard were two shots back. Hadley had a 67, and Hubbard shot 68.

Fowler shot a 68, and Mickelson had a 70 to reach 5 under.

Defending champion Rory McIlroy bogeyed the final two holes for a 69 to drop six strokes back.