Webb Stays In Stride As ‘97 Lpga Opens

Karrie Webb, last year’s LPGA rookie of the year, started 1997 as if 1996 had never ended.

Webb overcame windy conditions Thursday to shoot a 3-under-par 69 and take a three-shot lead in the first round of the Chrysler-Plymouth Tournament of Champions at the Weston Hills Country Club in Fort Louderdale, Fla.

While Webb shot 34 on the front and 35 on the back, no other golfer managed to break par. Four players shot 80 or higher.

At Carlsbad, Calif., Tom Lehman, the best player on the PGA Tour in 1996, started the new year as if he plans on keeping that title, shooting a 6-under-par 66 to take the first-round lead in the Mercedes Championships.

“Winning is contagious,” Lehman said after finishing one stroke ahead of Paul Goydos and Jim Furyk and three shots better than Fred Couples, Justin Leonard and Guy Boros. Tiger Woods was four back with a 70.