Hoch Shoots 65, Assumes Tour Lead

Scott Hoch, who will go over $2million in winnings for the year if he wins the Tour Championship in Houston, shot a 65 Friday to take the midway lead.

Hoch’s 36-hole total of 9-under-par 133 was one stroke ahead of Jim Furyk and two better than Mark Calcavecchia and David Duval, who was trying to become the first player to win three consecutive starts on tour since 1993.

Hoch, who made the cut in all 21 tournaments he has played on the PGA Tour this year, made four consecutive birdies and five in six holes, beginning on No. 8.

Tiger Woods moved into contention with a 68 to get to 5-under-par 137.

Hale Irwin, seeking his 10th win on the Senior Tour this year, fired a course-record 63 to take a one-shot lead after the opening round of the $1 million Ralphs Senior Classic in Los Angeles.

John Daly’s lucrative endorsement deal with Reebok, first negotiated after he won the PGA Championship in 1991, will not be renewed, leaving Daly with Callaway Golf as his only major sponsor.