Big Putt, Small Lead

Brian Barnes rolled in a 90-foot birdie putt at the final hole for a 5-under 67 and a one-stroke lead in the British Seniors Open in Portrush, Northern Island.

American Bob Murphy and Ireland’s Michael Murphy were tied for second at 68, one shot ahead of John Jacobs and Larry Laoretti, two other Americans.

Arnold Palmer, who started with two birdies, was disappointed to finish with only a 1-under 71.

Ronnie Black sank a 30-foot birdie putt on his 17th hole to break an 11-way tie and take a one-shot lead with a 65 after the first round of the Ideon Classic in Sutton, Mass.

Tied at 66 were Gene Sauers, Jim Carter, Ken Green, George Burns, Jim McGovern, Mark Wurtz, P.J. Horgan III, Fred Funk, Scott McCarron and Joey Rassett.

Although no comprehensive records were available, a tour official said it was unlikely there has ever been an 11-way tie for the lead after any round.

Kay Cockerill, who says doing golf commentary on television improved her game, shot a 6-under-par 66 to lead Kris Tschetter by a stroke after one round of the LPGA Friendly’s Classic at Crestview Country Club in Agawam, Mass.

Cockerill, who joined the tour in 1987 but has never finished better than third, tied her previous best round.

Tied for third at 68 were Maggie Will, Jane Crafter, Sherrin Smyers, Michelle Estill and Barb Thomas.

Moira Dunn, who had a 75, made a hole-in-one at No. 14 that crosses from Connecticut into Massachusetts. Rathdrum, Idaho’s Tracy Hanson shot a 69 while Clarkston’s Robin Walton fired 73.

American Scott Hoch and Irishman Philip Walton took the spotlight from British Open champ John Daly, shooting 6-under 65s to tie for the first round lead in the Dutch Open at Hilversum, Netherlands. Daly struggled to a 72.