Golf Roundup : Norman’s 70-Foot Putt Beats Nicklaus

Greg Norman of Australia sank a 70-foot putt on the next to last hole Saturday to defeat Jack Nicklaus, 1 up, in the semifinals of the $270,000 World Match Play Championship at Virginia Water, England.

Norman’s putt gave him an eagle-3 on the 17th hole, which was the 35th hole of the match. Nicklaus had taken a one-hole lead on the second tour of the back nine of the Wentworth course by winning three straight holes. Norman, however, moved ahead on the 17th and halved the 18th for the victory.

In today’s final, Norman will meet Britain’s Sandy Lyle, who defeated Australia’s Rodger Davis, 2 and 1.

Norman and Nicklaus both shot three-under-par 69s in the morning round, but Norman took a two-hole lead in the afternoon with 12-foot birdie putts on the second and seventh holes.

Nicklaus then hit a 9-iron within two feet for a winning birdie 3 at the 11th, and Norman conceded the next hole after driving deep into the trees.

Nicklaus, making his first appearance in the event since 1971, moved to 1 up for the first time in the match when he sank a 15-foot birdie putt at the 13th.

But he missed a four-footer to lose the 15th, and Norman went 1 up again by holing the 70-footer at No. 17.

Nicklaus had a chance from 12 feet for an eagle 3 at the 18th to keep the match alive, but he missed the putt on the low side.

Norman beat Lyle in the 1980 final, then took the title again in 1983.

Jim Thorpe shot a six-under-par 64 Saturday to take a one-stroke lead entering today’s final round of the $350,000 Southern Open tournament at Columbus, Ga.

Thorpe has a 54-hole total of 200.

Second-round leader Rod Curl, who had a course record-tying 61 Friday for a 131 after 36 holes, fell to a 71 and was two shots behind Thorpe.