Stadler Continues to Shine in Chicago


Don't tell Craig Stadler he's 60 and hasn't won since 2004. The San Diego native, who turned 60 earlier this month, followed up his opening 5-under 67 with a 65 Saturday for a two-stroke lead in the Encompass Championship at North Shore Country Club in Glenview, Ill.

Stadler started the second round on the 10th hole. After posted four birdies through eight holes on his front nine, he finally dropped a shot on the par-4 18th (his ninth hole). But the 13-time PGA Tour winner and 1982 Masters' champion rebounded nicely with four more birdies on his home half.

The bogey was his only one so far in the tournament so far. Overall, Stadler has carded 13 birdies and that bogey to reach 12-under 132, two shots ahead of Bob Tway, who also shot a 65, and local favorite Jeff Sluman (66).

Three back of Stadler, whose last win on the Champions Tour came in the SAS Championship in September 2004, is South African David Frost (67), while four behind at 8-under are Steve Pate (66), Mark Calcavecchia (69), Tom Lehman (66) and Bernhard Langer (69).

Sharing ninth at 137 are Bart Bryant (68), Mark O'Meara (67) and Taiwan's Chien Soon Lu (68).

Fred Couples carded a 68 and is tied for 12th at 6-under 138 with Mike Goodes (69), Tom Pernice Jr. (68), Aussie Peter Senior (68), Kenny Perry (69), John Riegger (68) and Corey Pavin (69).

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