Golf Roundup : Peete, Faldo Share the Lead at New Orleans

Calvin Peete and Nick Faldo matched four-under-par 68s on a cold, blustery day and shared the lead Friday in the rain-delayed first round of the $500,000 USF&G; tournament at New Orleans.

Peete dropped into a tie for the lead when he bogeyed the par-4 18th hole.

Pat McGowan, with a 69, was one shot back. The group at 70 included Mark Hayes, Mike Reid, Lon Hinkle, Chris Perry and Kenny Knox, winner of the recent Honda tournament.

Jack Nicklaus struggled to a 74 and defending champion Seve Ballesteros of Spain had to settle for a 75.

Shortly after completing play, Nicklaus received word his wife’s mother had died and he withdrew from the tournament.

More than three inches of rain washed out Thursday’s play and set the tournament schedule back one day. The tournament is scheduled to end with a double round of 36 holes on Sunday.

Pat Bradley fired a four-under-par 68 to take a six-stroke lead with a 36-hole total of 133 in the $200,000 LPGA Circle K Tucson Open at Tucson, Ariz.

Myra Blackwelder and Jerilyn Britz shot 69s on the 6,214-yard, par-72 Randolph North Golf Course to stand at 139.