Golf Roundup : Birdie Spree Boosts Verplank’s Lead to Three

Amateur Scott Verplank played what he called an “unconscious” back nine--six birdies in his last eight holes--and stretched his lead to three strokes Friday in the second round of the $500,000 Western Open in the Chicago suburb of Oak Brook.

Verplank, 21, an Oklahoma State student from Dallas and the current national amateur champion, shot another 68 and finished two rounds over the difficult Butler National course in 136, eight-under par.

“I was kind of nervous over the first nine holes. I haven’t been nervous on the golf course in a long time,” Verplank said.

The last amateur to lead alone in a pro event was Mike Reid in the first round of the 1976 U.S. Open. The last amateur to win a professional tournament was Doug Sanders in the 1956 Canadian Open.

Verplank insists he’s not yet thinking about winning. “I won’t worry about that until, when, if the opportunity presents itself,” Verplank said.

Can he do it?

“I guess we’ll find out Sunday afternoon,” he said.

Some of his challengers were more forthcoming. “It’s no surprise that he’s there. The kid can play,” said Canadian Dave Barr, five strokes back at 141.

“I played with him the first two rounds in the U.S. Open,” said Severiano Ballesteros of Spain, who shot a 68 and got back in contention at 143. “He’s a good player, good driver, good touch with the putter. Already a very good player. In the United States, amateurs, the college players, they play so many tournaments they’re as good as the pros.”

Steve Jones shot a five-under-par 67 and took second at 139.

He was followed by Barr and Jim Thorpe at 141. Barr shot 67 and Thorpe 66.

Laurie Peterson, last year’s champion in the inaugural Jamie Farr Toledo tournament, shot a three-under-par 69 for a 36-hole total of 140 and a share of the second-round lead in the $175,000 LPGA event with Coleen Walker, who shot her second consecutive 70.

One shot off the lead were Nancy Lopez, the tour’s No. 2 money-winner, Val Skinner and Penny Hammel.

Lopez followed her opening-day 70 with a one-under 71. Skinner shot the lowest round of the tournament’s two days, a 68, while Hammel shot a 69 after her first-round 72.

Jerry Barber of Los Angeles fired a three-under-par 69 to equal his age and take a one-stroke lead after the first round of the $200,000 PGA Seniors tournament at Concord, Mass.

Five players, including Orville Moody and Roberto De Vicenzo were tied for second at 70.

Dana Lofland, 17, of Oxnard and Amy Fruhwirth, 17, of Cypress each won to advance to the final of the 37th U.S. Golf Assn. Girls’ Junior Championship at Pittsburgh.

Lofland, the qualifying medalist, defeated Tracy Nakamura, 16, of Monterey Park, 3 and 2, in one semifinal while Fruhwirth took a 1-up decision over Christy Erb, 14, of Bonita in the other semifinal.

Lofland and Fruhwirth will meet today in an 18-hole championship match on the 5,975-yard, par-72 St. Clair Country Club course.