Aoki Jumps To Lead

Isao Aoki doesn’t putt like anyone else, and he also doesn’t subscribe to the theory that winning one week leads to a letdown the next.

Aoki’s second-round 6-under-par 66 left him at 7-under 137 at the midpoint of the $1 million Tradition, one stroke ahead of Lee Trevino and two up on Gary Player and Jay Sigel.

Jim Colbert, one of Aoki’s playing partners, Calvin Peete and Jack Nicklaus were three shots back.

Dave Barr hoped the second round of the $1 million Freeport-McMoRan Golf Classic would be postponed because of the heavy rain that fell all night and much of the morning in New Orleans.

The round was only partially delayed. Still, the reluctant golfer shot a 68 to take a one-stroke lead into the clubhouse.

When play was called, just half the field, including Pullman’s Kirk Triplett, was still out. The remaining 71 golfers will finish their second round Saturday.

First-round leader J.L. Lewis followed his 64 with a par 72 over the 7,116-yard English Turn course. That was good enough for second place among the finishers, a stroke behind Barr at 135.

If today’s morning round could be completed early enough, officials planned to play the third round in the afternoon. If they could not play the third round, a final 18 holes would be played Sunday, shortening the tournament to 54.