JOHN HUSTON gave himself an early birthday present by firing a course record 61 to take the lead after two rounds of the Memorial Tournament in Dublin, Ohio.

Huston, who will be 35 today, shaved two strokes off Kenny Perry's 1991 record at the Jack Nicklaus designed Muirfield Village course to grab a two shot lead over 1994 US Open winner Ernie Els of South Africa, who had a 67.

"It was just a terrific day," said Huston after his 11 under par round. "It's a fun game when the all the pulls drop in."

Huston is on the nine under par total of 135 after carding the best round of the tournament so far by five strokes.