Hoch Leads World Open

Calling it “one of my best striking rounds ever,” Scott Hoch shot a course-record 8-under-par 64 to build a two-shot lead over defending champion Frank Nobilo halfway through the $1.9 million Sarazen World Open Championship at Braselton, Ga.

Hoch’s second trip around the hilly 6,967-yard The Legends course at Chateau Elan left him with a 12-under 132 total for 36 holes.

Hoch’s round included nine birdies and one bogey - a 3-putt from 30 feet on the first green, which was his 10th hole. Only three of his birdie putts were from more than 10 feet - 18 feet at the 17th, 15 at the 13th and 12 at the 16th.

Nobilo, who also started on the back nine, bogeyed his fourth hole of the day when he 3-putted from 40 feet, then played the final 14 holes in 5-under to shoot 68-134.

Jimmy Powell and Walter Morgan shot 5-under-par 65s and tied for the first-round lead in the Emerald Coast Classic, a Seniors event, at Milton, Fla.

Morgan had five birdies, but missed a couple more when putts lipped out at the third and 10th holes at The Moors Golf Club.

Tied at 66 were Walter Zembriski, Dave Stockton, Larry Gilbert, Jay Sigel, Graham Marsh and Dave Eichelberger.