Golf Roundup : Norman Shoots 64, Takes 3-Stroke Lead at Las Vegas

Greg Norman, one stroke short of victory in his last two tournaments, eagled the final hole Saturday for a 64 and a three-stroke lead entering the final round of the $1,150,000 Panasonic Las Vegas Invitational golf tournament.

Norman’s bogey-free round on a clear, breezy day at the Las Vegas Country Club included six birdies and his 18-foot uphill eagle putt on No. 18. His 72-hole total was 268.

Dan Pohl, playing with his left thumb taped because of a sprained ligament, made three straight birdies at the turn and was at 271. He had six birdies during his round of 66, including two from 15 feet.

Donnie Hammond, the Bob Hope Classic winner who can add a $250,000 bonus should he win this tournament, began the round tied for the lead. He eagled No. 1 but stumbled with three straight bogeys starting at No. 5 and fell seven strokes off the pace with a 73.

Gene Littler tamed the tricky Four Hills Country Club course with a six-under-par 66 to take a five-shot lead after two rounds of the $250,000 Sunwest Bank-Charley Pride Senior tournament at Albuquerque, N.M.

Littler, who had to complete his first round early Saturday after a rain and lightning storm forced suspension of Friday’s first round, played consistently on the 6,722-yard course.

Littler birdied two of the last three holes in his first round for a 65, then returned for seven birdies and only one bogey in the second round.

Littler’s 36-hole total was 131. Don January was second after finishing bogey-bogey in a round of 67.