World Cup of Golf : Crenshaw, Stewart Give U.S. a One-Stroke Lead

Ben Crenshaw and Payne Stewart shot 70s Wednesday to give the United States a one-stroke lead in the opening round of the 33rd World Cup of Golf.

“Two good scores,” Crenshaw said of their combined 140 total, four under par on the Bay course at the Kapalua resort.

“It was a tough day to score--wet and windy all day, a very difficult golf course today.”

And the format--two-man teams from 32 nations with scoring based on the team’s total medal score--also is difficult, Crenshaw said.

“Team play is tough. You have to guard against trying to play too hard,” he said.

Stewart agreed.

“I think that may have been our trouble today--trying too hard,” said Stewart, who chipped within three feet on the final hole and made the birdie putt that gave the Americans the lead.

“We only played the par-5s a total of two under. Not very good,” Stewart said.

The United States, which once dominated this event but has won only once in the 1980s, was trailed by the Irish team of Ronan Rafferty and Eamonn Darcy at 141.

“About the worst we could have done,” said Darcy, who missed four putts of four feet or less in his round of 71. Rafferty, a winner in Australia last week, had a 70.

England, with Howard Clark and Mark James, was next at 142.

Ian Woosnam, winner of the European Order of Merit this year, overcame the difficult conditions with a 67 and helped Wales to a 143 total.

Also at 143 were Scotland, Argentina, Japan and Australia.

Canada, which won this title in 1985, the last time the tournament was held, was at 144.

Woosnam is the individual leader. Clark, the defending individual champion, and Sandy Lyle of Scotland were next with 68s.