Ten Broeck Takes over Top Spot in U.S. Senior Open


Regular caddie and occasion touring pro Lance Ten Broeck has taken over the 36-hole lead in the U.S. Senior Open. The 56-year-old from Chicago followed up his opening 4-under 66 with a 68 to reach 6-under 134 in the Champions Tour major, which is being held at Indianwood Golf & Country Club in Lake Orion, Mich.

Ten Broeck, whose only event on the over-50 circuit this year came in the Principal Charity Classic in June, where he finished 71st, had two birdies, two bogeys and an eagle on the par-5 15th hole Friday to take a one-stroke lead over 18-hole leader Tom Kite, who shot a 70 after his opening 65.

"Caddying is a lot easier than playing," Ten Broeck told the Associated Press Friday evening. "That's why you get paid more money to play." He also expressed surprise to find himself in such a position at the halfway mark of the fourth of five majors on the senior circuit. "I figured I should be able to make the cut, but I never figured that I'd be in the last group on Saturday."

Sharing third at 136 are John Huston (67), Tom Lehman (66), 2012 Senior PGA champion Roger Chapman (68), Corey Pavin (69), Bernhard Langer (70) and Dick Mast (68).

Lehman, the reigning Player of the Year on the Champions Tour, was pleased with his round. "I didn't feel good about my game yesterday," said the Minnesotan. "Didn't start out all that well today either, but kind of got into a groove and started playing the ball, or hitting the ball much more solidly. Made a few putts. Kind of struggled a bit coming in the last couple, hit some lousy shots. But all in all, it was a good day."

Three players - Jay Haas, Chien-Soon Lu and Mark Wiebe - all shot 68s to share ninth at 137.

Ten players stand at 138, including Jay Don Blake, who posted Friday's low round, a 5-under 65 that was highlighted by a seven-birdie - against one bogey - 29 on the front nine. He came home with a 1-over 36. "You know, I didn't even know I made five birdies in a row," said the 53-year-old Utahan.

"I started looking at my card when I signed my scorecard out there. I didn't know that was a record or ties a record, I guess. So those things kind of happen. You kind of get going, and you don't think much. You just go do it, get it done, and add them up at the end. I had it pretty good today."

Joining Blake in a tie for 12th are Jeff Sluman (71), Fred Funk (71), Brad Bryant (68), Steve Lowery (68), Rick Lewallen (68), Tom Pernice, Jr. (71), Mark Calcavecchia (70), Tommy Armour III (69), and last week's winner at Pebble Beach, Kirk Triplett (69).

Rounding out the final players with under-par totals through 36 holes are Andrew Oldcorn (69), David Eger (70) and Rod Spittle (69) at 139.

One of the pre-tournament favorites, Fred Couples, went four strokes under his opening 72 with a 68 to reach even-par 140.

The cut was set at 4-over 144. Among those moving on to the weekend is defending champion Olin Browne, who's carded rounds of 69 and 74. Browne attributed the five-stroke difference between his first two rounds to waywardness off the tee Friday. "I need to hit more fairways," the 53-year-old said simply. "I can't hit the fairway right now. I'm going to go figure out how to do that this afternoon."

Sean Knapp is the lowest amateur after 36 holes. The Oakmont member has posted rounds of 70 and 72.

Among those heading home are former U.S. Open champions Larry Nelson, Hale Irwin and Scott Simpson. Joe Daley, who won the Senior Players Championship in early July, shot rounds of 73 and 76.

For complete scoring details, visit http://www.ussenioropen.com/scoring2012/dyn/alllb.html.