Baird Leads Zurich Classic, Stanford Leads at Safeway International

L.P.G.A.

Angela Stanford barely maintained her first round lead by a single, solitary stroke over Lorena Ochoa at the Safeway International. Stanford's spectacular opening round 62 pushed her ahead of the pack after yesterday's first round. Today the pack crept back. Ochoa's breathing down her neck after 65-67. Jee Young Lee is two back with a 134 total. Linked at 136 are Annika and Michele Redman. Again held at Superstition Mountain Golf & Country Club in Superstition Mountain, AZ, this tournament is shaping up to be the most watchable of the weekend. After carding a 62 and still only be leading by a stroke over Ochoa, Stanford must be scanning her rear view mirror. Being the defending champion here doesn't hurt Ochoa's chances either. Tune in to this one tomorrow. I've a feeling it will be won or lost in the 3rd round.

P.G.A.

Briny Baird leads the Zurich Classic of New Orleans. (2 weeks til' the Masters) Baird holds a single shot lead over Peter Lonard and Jay Williamson. (2 weeks til' the Masters) Tommy Armour III, IV, and V, defending champ Nick Watney, and Shigeki Maruyama were knotted in a tie, two strokes off the lead. (2 weeks til' the Masters) First round leader Dean Wilson stepped on his d&*# with a second round 73, but is only three strokes out. (2 weeks til' the Masters) Notables who missed the cut include Steve Stricker, Chad Campbell, Mike Weir, Jim Furyk, and Davis Love III. If they were using this as a Masters tune up, it didn't work. (2 weeks til' the Masters)

I'll check in on the L.P.G.A. this weekend, but the men may lose me to Beverly Hillbillies reruns.

***average golfer little known golf fact alert***
The L.P.G.A.'s Birdie Kim changed her name to differentiate herself from all of the other Kims on the tour. Her name previously was Bogey Kim.


Til' next,

(2 weeks til' the Masters)