Marsh Vaults To Senior Open Lead After Second Straight 67

After winning dozens of tournaments all over the world, Graham Marsh is in position to capture his most prestigious victory of all - the elusive U.S. Senior Open.

“There’s no doubt that this is the premier event of world senior golf,” Marsh said Saturday, when he shot a second consecutive 3-under-par 67 to take a two-stroke lead after three rounds at Olympia Fields Country Club in Olympia Fields, Ill. “Winning it would be something special. Tomorrow is one of the biggest days in my golfing career.”

Marsh, at 4-under for the tournament, will be paired in today’s final round with good friend John Bland, who shot 69 to go 2-under.

“John’s my ‘mate,’ that’s important for an Australian,” Marsh said. “He’s got a great sense of humor. We joke and carry on. He’s also one of the most underrated players.”

Bland will try to become the second South African to win a major championship this month. Ernie Els won the U.S. Open two weeks ago.

“Graham is going to be very tough,” Bland said. “I have to shoot a low number tomorrow, probably 66 or 65.”

Dave Eichelberger, the only other player under par after three rounds, is three strokes back at 1-under.

Second-round leader Kermit Zarley had six bogeys, two double-bogeys and no birdies for a nightmarish 80, going from 2-under to 8-over and falling out of contention.

Damron leads St. Jude Classic

Rookie Robert Damron, one of three players tied for the first-round lead in the $1.5 million St. Jude Classic in Memphis, Tenn., took sole control of the top spot in the rain-delayed second round.

Damron had an eagle, four birdies and a bogey for a 5-under-par 66 that put him at 11-under 131, one stroke ahead of Gene Sauers, who shot a 67 for 132.

Former Pullman resident Kirk Triplett shot a 71 for a 143 total and missed the cut.

Sorenstam atop Shoprite Classic

Annika Sorenstam bounced around the wind-dried course in 68 strokes to take a two-stroke lead at 9-under-par 133 over Jane Geddes and Vickie Odegard into the final round of the Shoprite LPGA Classic at Greate Bay Resort and Country Club in Somers Point, N.J.

“The greens got hard and I was getting 15 yards of roll on a 9-iron,” Sorenstam said. “You’ve got to think more and plan for that.”

Geddes could have had second place alone but bogeyed the last hole to fall into a tie with Odegard.

Robin Walton of Clarkston (146) and Tracy Hanson of Rathdrum, Idaho (147) missed the cut.