Australian golfer Steven Bowditch was two shots off the lead in fourth place at Friday’s halfway mark of the rain-disrupted True South Classic PGA Tour event in Mississippi.

American Billy Horschel fired a nine-under-par 63 to hold a one-stroke lead, with eagles at the fifth and the 18th holes in his bogey-free round to reach a 13-under 131 total.

“I hit it really good – there’s no doubt about it,” Horschel said. “I made some putts. I’ll tell you what: I’m not lying to you guys out there – there’s five putts out there that should have went in. So I shot nine-under. It should have been 13.”

Matt Bettencourt was one stroke back after a six-under 66, while first-round leader Jason Bohn must finish his second round along with close to half the field on Saturday morning after play ended because of darkness on Friday.

Bettencourt was at 12-under through the front nine. Bohn is also 12-under through nine holes at the Annandale Golf Club.

It was a tiring day for Horschel, who had to play 31 holes on Friday because heavy rains disrupted his first round the previous day.

The 25-year-old battled through another rain delay on day two and faced blistering heat later on during his second round.

Horschel closed his round with a birdie on the final hole. He is having a strong season and has put himself in contention to win his first USPGA Tour event.

“Playing the way I am, I don’t want to go home,” Horschel said.

Bowditch is fourth in the clubhouse at 11-under 133 after shooting a five-under 67 during his second round.

Fellow Australian Gavin Coles remains in contention on 136 along with Mathew Goggin on 137.

Defending champ Chris Kirk shot a four-under 68 and was four strokes adrift of Horschel.

“I think (the course) suits my game pretty well,” Kirk said. “It’s reasonably forgiving off the tee and more of a second-shot golf course, which is definitely my strength.”