CHERRY HILLS VILLAGE, September 6, 2014 (AFP) - Garcia won earlier this year at the Qatar Masters on the European Tour but he has not hoisted a trophy in North America since the 2012 Wyndham Open.
The Spaniard finished two rounds at eight-under 132 and he holds a one-stroke lead over American Ryan Palmer at the Cherry Hills Country Club course.
Garcia hasn't been able to break through this year despite being in the hunt several times. He finished tied for second at the Travelers Championship and the Open. Garcia was also the runner-up at the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational.
Palmer shot a 64 on Friday to jump into sole possession of second place at seven-under 133. He is looking for his fourth win on the USPGA Tour.
World number one Rory McIlroy carded his second consecutive 67 and he is tied with Billy Horschel (66) at six-under 134. McIlroy had a share of the first round lead with Jordan Spieth and Gary Woodland.
McIlroy, who is currently number two in the FedExCup playoff standings, beat out Garcia for the Open and WGC-Bridgestone Invitational titles this season.
Chris Kirk (70), the Deutsche Bank Championship winner, is nine shots back at one-over 141. The Barclays tournament winner Hunter Mahan (70) is well back at five-over 145.
Leading scores on Friday after the second round of the PGA Tour's BMW Championship. (par 70, USA unless noted):
132 - Sergio Garcia (ESP) 68-64
133 - Ryan Palmer 69-64
134 - Rory McIlroy (NIR) 67-67, Billy Horschel 68-66
136 - Bubba Watson 70-66, Graham DeLaet (CAN) 68-68, Hideki Matsuyama (JPN) 69-67
137 - Adam Scott (AUS) 71-66, Henrik Stenson (SWE) 68-69, Rickie Fowler 71-66, Jordan Spieth 67-70
138 - Jim Furyk 70-68, Charl Schwartzel (RSA) 72-66, Martin Kaymer (GER) 68-70, Chesson Hadley 68-70
139 - John Senden (AUS) 73-66, Ernie Els (RSA) 70-69, Jimmy Walker 72-67, J.B. Holmes 71-68