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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Peoples Makes Deposit, But Win Not Guaranteed As Triplett Lurks 1 Back

Compiled From Wire Services

David Peoples, who couldn’t get enough of Annandale Golf Club last year, was looking for a good start in the Deposit Guranty Golf Classic. He took the first-round lead.

Peoples shot a 7-under-par 65 Thursday, taking a one-stroke lead over Kirk Triplett of Pullman and Dicky Pride. Five other golfers had 67s on the 7,157-yard course in Madison, Miss.

“I’ve been playing good lately, but struggling in first rounds,” Peoples said. “I love this course. I enjoyed it last year, and was chomping at the bit for one more round. I felt I left a lot on the course.”

During last year’s tournament, Peoples shot a 3-under 69 in the second round and felt he had a shot at making a move. He never got back on the course, however, as rain shortened the tournament to 36 holes.

Triplett is the highest-ranked player in the tournament, 29th on the money list with $354,983 after making the cut in 16 of his first 19 tournaments. He has been above par only once in his last 15 competitive rounds.

Michelle McGann, one of two double winners on the LPGA tour this year, shot a 5-under-par 66 for the firstround lead in the Big Apple Classic at New Rochelle, N.Y.

Leading a group at 3-under in the $700,000 tournament was Amy Alcott, who shot a 68 despite being bothered by the flu. Alcott has not won in four years and knows her next victory, No. 30, would put her in the LPGA Hall of Fame.

“In my mind, I had a Hall of Fame career 5-6 years ago,” said Alcott, who made a 25-yard sand shot for birdie on No. 12. “Winning is just a byproduct of playing well, and that’s all I want to do.”

Also at 68 were Brandie Burton, who was paired with Alcott, and Trish Johnson of England.

Tracy Hanson of Rathdrum, Idaho, shot 72 and Clarkston’s Robin Walton shot 73.

Stanford University senior Vicky Strada and Oregon Amateur champion Joan Edwards-Powell moved into the final of the Pacific Northwest Women’s Amateur golf tournament in Portland.