Beer Man makes his move

March 20, 2005|Golf roundup, Associated Press

Champions Tour rookie Mark Johnson shot an 8-under-par 63 yesterday to take a three-stroke lead over former University of Houston coach Keith Fergus after the second round of the Toshiba Senior Classic.

The 50-year-old Johnson, the qualifying tournament winner known as the "Beer Man" because he drove a Budweiser truck for 18 years before turning pro, had an eagle, seven birdies, and a bogey to reach 12 under on the Newport Beach (Calif.) Country Club course.

"I felt confident and good about everything that happened today," Johnson said. "But I'll be nervous tomorrow. I was nervous at Q-School with the lead, too."

Fergus shot a 66. Tom Jenkins and Wayne Levi were 8 under after 68s. First-round leader Gil Morgan (70) was 7 under along with Mike Reid (65) and Ben Crenshaw (67).

Fergus had an eagle, five birdies, and two bogeys.

LPGA -- Lorena Ochoa gave up a commanding lead with a double bogey on the 16th hole, finishing with a 1-under 71 to take a one-stroke lead into the final round of the Safeway International in Superstition Mountain, Ariz. Ochoa, the 23-year-old Mexican star who won twice last year as an LPGA Tour sophomore, had a 13-under 203 total. Playing partner Soo-Yun Kang was second after a 70, and defending champion Annika Sorenstam was four strokes back at 9 under. Michelle Wie shot a 73 to finish at 3 under.

PGA European/Asian -- Ryder Cup stars Colin Montgomerie and Paul Casey shared a one-stroke lead with Chawalit Plaphol after three rounds of the TCL Classic in Sanya, China. Montgomerie, the defending champion, and Casey shot 4-under 68s while Chawalit had a 66, leaving the three at 16-under 200.

Montgomerie, 54th in the world ranking, needs a top-two finish to move into the top 50 and earn a spot in The Players Championship.