Lehman Off to Good Start in Encompass Championship


Tom Lehman fired a 7-under 65 to take the 18-hole lead in the Encompass Championship. The $1.8 million, 54-hole Champions Tour event began Friday at North Shore Country Club in Glenview, Ill.

The 55-year-old Lehman, a seven-time winner on the over-50 circuit whose last title came in the 2012 Charles Schwab Championship, enjoyed a flawless card with seven birdies.

The Minnesota native is a stroke ahead of England's Roger Chapman and California's Doug Garwood.

Lehman admitted to reporters that it's been too long since he's seen his name atop the leaderboard. "It's been a while since I've been in an interview room," he quipped. "That's how the year has been - erratic."

Two behind Lehman are Michael Allen, Bart Bryant, Jeff Sluman, Mark O'Meara, Kirk Triplett, John Inman and Scotsman Sandy Lyle. Tied for 11th after posting 68s are Canada's Rod Spittle, Oregon native Bob Gilder and Argentina's Jose Coceres.

Defending champion Craig Stadler opened with a 1-over 73.

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