LOCAL Lennie Clements, on courses he has played often in his 26 years of golfing, held a two stroke lead midway through the 1.2 million Buick Invitational at Torrey Pines yesterday.

Clements, winless in 15 years on the PGA Tour, shot a second round seven under par 65 on the North Course for a 36 hole total of 15 under 129, a tournament record.

John Wilson, who has not won in three previous years on the tour, was alone at 13 under 131. Fred Couples, Tom Lehman, Kirk Triplett and Duffy Waldorf were next at 133.

"Winning has been one of my goals," said Clements, 39, who grew up in nearby San Diego and still lives there. "I'm ready to accept the challenge of winning and what comes with it."