Lehman Now Sets Pace at First Tee Open


Tom Lehman carded his second straight 5-under 67 to take a one-stroke lead in the Nature Valley First Tee Open at Pebble Beach. The 54-hole $1.8 million Champions Tour event began Friday on California's Monterey Peninsula.

The 54-year-old Minnesotan had seven birdies and two bogeys at Pebble Beach Golf Links to reach 10-under 134, a shot ahead of Russ Cochran, who also posted a 67, and three ahead of defending champion Kirk Triplett (70) and first-round leader Bernhard Langer.

Langer, a 56-year-old German and World Golf Hall of Fame member, opened with a 63 at Del Monte Golf Course - which splits the venues with Pebble Beach in the first two rounds - posted a 74 at Pebble Beach Saturday.

The weather has been spectacular the first two days of the tournament and Lehman, the defending Charles Schwab Cup champion, appreciates the sublimity of the event's location. "To play Pebble Beach in beautiful conditions is a pleasure and a treat," said the seven-time Champions Tour winner.

"The greens are firm and fast, the fairways are firm and fast. It plays like it's supposed to play and I just love the challenge."

Tied for fifth four strokes behind Lehman are Doug Garwood (71), Dan Forsman (70), John Cook (68) and Chien Soon Lu (67). All the players in the first five positions except Lu posted their scores Saturday at Pebble Beach.

Five players - Bill Glasson (68 Del Monte), Craig Stadler (68 Pebble Beach), Scott Hoch (69 Del Monte), John Inman (66 Del Monte) and Fred Couples (71 Pebble Beach) - share ninth at 139.

For all the scores, visit http://www.pgatour.com/champions/leaderboard.html.