Triplett sets course record at Wachovia

Thousands of fans watching Tiger Woods post his first bogey-free round of the year missed out on all the excitement behind them — Kirk Triplett setting the course record at the Wachovia Championship in Charlotte, N.C., with an 8-under 64.

Triplett, a former Pullman resident, took a two-shot lead Thursday by closing his stellar round with three straight birdies, the last one from 45 feet on No. 9, just 15 minutes after Woods and his massive following were gone.

“They missed most of it, I think,” said Triplett.

Triplett hardly missed anything, taking only 11 putts over the last nine holes to pull away from an enormous pack of players at Quail Hollow.

Howell has British Masters lead

David Howell shot a 6-under-par 66 to take a one-shot lead after the first round of the British Masters in Meriden, England.

Howell, playing in just his second tournament after missing six weeks with an injured shoulder, was a stroke in front of Eduardo Romero, Michael Campbell, Trevor Immelman, Kenneth Ferrie and Andrew Coltart.

Kang surges into first

Soo-Yun Kang is a big winner on the women’s tour in her native Korea. Now, she’s taking aim at LPGA Tour success.

Kang shot a 6-under 65, riding a pinpoint 60-degree wedge to a series of short birdies and grabbing a one-shot lead in the Michelob Ultra Open in Williamsburg, Va.