Weather Becomes Pleasant And Norman Brightens, Too

The sun returned to the PGA Tour on Thursday, shining as radiantly as the smile on Greg Norman’s face.

Norman, beaming even when he had to settle for par, had five birdies on the back nine for a 5-under-par 66 and a share of the first-round lead with Nick Price in the Kemper Open.

“It’s a been a long time since we’ve seen the straw,” said Norman, holding his trademark straw hat. “It’s nice where when you have a day where don’t have to carry an umbrella, when you can wear your nice hat instead of a cap.”

Jeff Sluman, Paul Stankowski and Kelly Gibson were a stroke back at 67, and Tom Lehman and Ben Crenshaw topped a six-player group at 68.

At East Lansing, Mich., Kate Golden, non-exempt after a dismal 1996 season, shot a 6-under-par 66 to take the first-round lead in the LPGA Oldsmobile Classic.

“I hit it real close on the back side,” said Golden, who opened on the back nine with four birdies in five holes.

Relief is on the way for the long-suffering caddies in next week’s U.S. Open.

The Professional Tour Caddies Association announced that the United States Golf Association will allow its members to wear shorts during the U.S. Open at Congressional Country Club in Bethesda, Md.

According to a notice posted during the Kemper Open, USGA officials will allow caddies to wear shorts as long as they are tailored, Bermuda-length and a solid color.