Golf Roundup : Sindelar Eagles the Final Hole to Lead Canadian Open by One

Joey Sindelar sank a 24-foot eagle putt on the final hole Thursday to complete a four-under-par 68 and take the first-round lead of the $638,000 Canadian Open golf tournament at Oakville, Canada.

Sindelar, who rallied after being two over par through six holes, was one shot ahead of Tom Purtzer, who birdied the last two holes.

Sindelar capitalized on the four par-5 holes, recording three birdies and the eagle on a windy day.

“On a day like this, only the guys who play the par-5s the best get the advantage,” said Sindelar, one of the longest hitters on the tour. “This is the kind of day you have to hang in there and fight for all you can get.

“This course sets up better for the longer hitter. The important thing is to hit good, hard tee shots. I hit my best tee shots on the par-5s.”

Canadian Richard Zokol, defending champion Bob Murphy, Steve Pate and left-hander Ernie Gonzalez were two shots back.

Jack Nicklaus, who designed the 7,102-yard Glen Abbey course, had a double-bogey on the final hole and shot a 72.

Rookie Nancy Taylor shot a four-under-par 68 to take a one-stroke lead after one round of the Jamie Farr LPGA Toledo tournament at Toledo, Ohio.

Taylor, 27, has made the cut in only 4 of 16 tournaments this year. Her best finish was a tie for 37th two weeks ago in the Lady Keystone. She ranks 129th on the earnings list with $5,205.

“I was calm,” said Taylor, who had never led a professional tournament. “I had clarity of mind and patience when I was putting.

“I feel I have a good chance. I’ll take it one day at a time, one shot at a time, and add it up at the end.”

Taylor birdied three consecutive holes down the stretch to overtake and pass Cindy Hill and Heather Farr, who had 69s.

At 70 were Sarah LeVeque, Sue Fogleman, Stephanie Farwig, Laurie Rinker, Jerilyn Britz, Julie Cole, Sherri Turner, Cathy Gerring, and Tammie Green.