Haas Leads Western, But Look Out For Rejuvenated Azinger

Jay Haas birdied the final two holes Friday to take the second-round lead in the Western Open. Paul Azinger moved into contention with what he considered his best PGA Tour round since beginning his comeback from cancer 13 months ago.

Haas, who trailed Tom Watson by one stroke after the opening round, shot a 4-under-par 68 for a two-day total of 7-under 137.

Watson, looking for his first tour victory since 1987, was two back along with Steve Lowery and Brett Ogle was another stroke off the pace going into today’s third round on the 7,073-yard Cog Hill Golf & Country Club course.

Azinger, diagnosed with lymphoma in his right shoulder at the end of his outstanding 1993 season, had five birdies and no bogeys in shooting a 67.

Tiger Woods, the 19-year-old U.S. Amateur champion, shot 71 for a 145 total.

Pullman’s Kirk Triplett shot at 72 for a total of 149 and failed to make the cut of 148.

At Sylvania, Ohio, former champion Jane Geddes and playing partner Colleen Walker shot 5-under-par 66s to share the first-round lead in the Jamie Farr Toledo Classic.

Rathdrum, Idaho’s Tracy Hanson finished at 71 while Clarkston’s Robin Walton carded a 72.

At Mason, Ohio, Mike Hill shot a 7-under-par 64 to take a two-shot lead after the first round of the $900,000 Kroger Senior Classic at The Golf Center at Kings Island.

Ben Smith, Gay Brewer, J.C. Sneed and Isao Aoki were at 66 and five players shot 67 on the 6,628-yard Grizzly Course designed by Jack Nicklaus.

At Lake Tahoe, Nev., former major league pitcher Rick Rhoden and Houston Oilers kicker Al Del Greco shot 1-underpar 71s on to share the first-round lead in the Celebrity Golf Championship.

Michael Jordan, who led Rhoden and Del Greco by a stroke after 14 holes, finished with a 73. Charles Barkley and Dan Quayle shot 89s.