Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

Australian Cameron Smith shot a 4-under-par 67 on Saturday to stay atop the leaderboard after two rounds of action at LIV Golf Bedminster in Bedminster, N.J.

Smith, who led Charles Howell III by just one stroke following the first round, racked up seven birdies on Saturday to open up a four-stroke advantage on Phil Mickelson and South Africa's Dean Burmester. Smith currently sits at 9-under 133 at Trump National Golf Club.

Mickelson shot 67 while Burmester carded a 68.

After his double bogey at the par-4 third hole, Smith settled down. He was perfect aside from his bogey at the par-3 14th while ending his round by tallying birdies on five of the last seven holes.

"Yeah, probably had to dig a little bit deeper (Saturday)," Smith said. "It was still nice with the longer stuff, but it wasn't as good as (Friday). I think particularly through the middle of the round there a few sand saves to keep the momentum going was good."

Burmester also finished strong, sinking birdies on three of his last four holes to stay in striking distance of Smith.

"Yeah, I mean, who knows what can happen (Sunday). You've got to go out and win this thing," Burmester said. "It's not going to be given to you, even on this golf course, so four shots can be over in four holes pretty quickly."

Anirban Lahiri of India carded the low round of the day with a 7-under 64 to move 28 spots up the leaderboard into a tie for fourth. He posted a pair of bogeys but combatted them with nine birdies. Patrick Reed (70) and Bubba Watson (69) also sit in fourth.

"I've just got to stay focused on every shot," Watson said. "Any shot can be death, so you have to just stay focused and committed and realize you're doing the right things and you're playing the ball in the right positions and stick to it."

South Africa's Branden Grace is in sole possession of seventh place after shooting a second-round 69.

Mexicans Carlos Ortiz (70) and Abraham Ancer (71) find themselves in a five-way tie for eighth that also includes Kevin Na (69), Jason Kokrak (71) and Marc Leishman of Australia (69).

Howell struggled on Saturday, dropping 11 spots on the leaderboard after his 3-over 74. He now sits T13 with Talor Gooch (70).

Stinger GC and Ripper GC sit atop the team leaderboard at 11 under in the team competition. RangeGoats GC is in third, four strokes off the lead.

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST
Lightning re-acquire defenseman from Predators
Steelers star DT blasts reporter's 'bold face lie'
Deadline for LeBron James' contract decision revealed
Jets HC Robert Saleh shares significant update on Aaron Rodgers' health
Steelers add another veteran to running back room
Charvarius Ward names positive 49ers can take from Super Bowl loss
Dolphins' Tua Tagovailoa reportedly makes physical change amid contract talks
Do Oilers need more from Connor McDavid to get to Stanley Cup Final?
All-Rookie teams show gems available all over draft
The NBA has not witnessed this much parity in 50 years
Knicks expected to be 'aggressive' in upgrading their roster
Drew Bledsoe offers advice for Patriots rookie QB Drake Maye
2024 AFC revenge games: Brothers, 'Stefon Diggs Bowl' to take center stage
2024 NFC revenge games: Which game should Cowboys, others have circled?
How All-Star Race victory could turn Joey Logano's season around
Xander Schauffele's triumph could open the floodgates for his career
Anderson Silva, Chael Sonnen will finish off their trilogy in a boxing ring
Ranking the five best MLB free-agent signings of offseason
Veteran WR, former first-round pick announces NFL retirement
Oilers advance to West Final again after holding off Canucks in Game 7

Want more Golf news?

Join the hundreds of thousands of fans who start their day with Yardbarker's Morning Bark, the best newsletter in sports.