LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — Parker McLachlin felt a huge weight lift off his shoulders, while Tadd Fujikawa tried to shake off more frustration.

McLachlin, a 28-year-old Punahou alum, made the cut yesterday at the Children's Miracle Network Classic played on Walt Disney World courses. He still has chance to save his PGA Tour card after shooting a 3-under 69 for a two-round total of 7-under 137 for the tournament.

Fujikawa, a 16-year-old Moanalua High School junior, fell short of making his first professional cut. It was his seventh attempt at making a cut since turning pro in July. He shot even par 72 yesterday for a 1-under 143 total. The cut was at 141.

"It feels great to know I'm playing this weekend," McLachlin said. "Now I'm just trying to keep riding this wave and see if I can do something special."

Fujikawa, who played two rounds with McLachlin, said he had trouble adapting to the fast greens and a steady wind.

"I'm grateful I had a chance to come out here, but I'm really disappointed I didn't make the cut again because I always want to win," he said. "I just have to remember that I'm getting better every tournament. I just can't bogey so much. You can't make a lot of mistakes if you want to make the cut."

While Fujikawa was constantly in the media spotlight as he walked the course, McLachlin was quietly mounting a major surge during the final tournament of the PGA season.

He struggled early in yesterday's round, but he eagled the par-5 10th to go 5-under par. He bogeyed one more time, but pulled off enough birdies to keep him in contention.

"The eagle on the 10th hole was a huge turning point for me," McLachlin said. "I was right on the line of getting cut, but it gave me confidence and room to breathe. I knew I didn't have to worry quite as much the rest of the way."

McLachlin is tied for 25th place with two rounds remaining.

Scott Verplank leads the tournament at 12-under 132 after shooting his second consecutive 66.

Earning a spot at the top of the leaderboard would be huge for McLachlin.

He ranks 136th on the PGA Tour money list and needs to fight his way to the top 125 in order to keep his full PGA Tour privileges.

If he falls short on the money list, he will head back to qualifying school to prove he deserves to play with the best golfers in the world.

"My goal is to finish in the top five here so I know I've got my card," McLachlin said. "I want to see if I can stay calm and catch lightning in a bottle."While the top 125 finish on the year-ending money list is his ultimate goal, McLachlin said he is content knowing he already secured a top 150 finish that will get him into at least 20 tournaments next year. A strong finish at qualifying school also would restore his full PGA Tour privileges.

"It's not the end of the world if I don't make the top 125 on the money list," he said. "I actually like Q school. I've had good experiences there and think it's a good challenge. It makes you a stronger person."

For Fujikawa, making a cut would be enough progress.

He will try to achieve his goal this month in Japan, armed with more experience and advice from veterans like McLachlin.

"Everyone keeps telling me to be patient," Fujikawa said. "They said it's really hard to get started in the PGA. They keep reminding me that some guys get cut their first 65 or 70 tournaments when they turn pro. I'm trying to learn as much as I can about all these new courses and take their advice. I don't want it to take so long, but I know eventually I will make a cut."