Golf Roundup : Nicklaus Gains Third Round in International Tournament

Jack Nicklaus advanced to the third round Friday at the International tournament at Castle Rock, Colo., all but assuring that he will reach the $5-million mark in career earnings this weekend.

Nicklaus was among the 54 players to advance to today’s third round of the tournament, which is being conducted under a modified Stableford scoring system.

Nicklaus had eight points under the scoring system that awards five points for an eagle, two for a birdie, zero for par, minus-1 for bogey and minus-3 for double bogey or higher.

Only 18 of the 54 players will advance to Sunday’s final round. Nicklaus, however, needs to beat only 3 of those 54 players to become the first player to reach $5 million in career earnings. Nicklaus has earned $4,997,550. The prize for 51st is $2,460.

Fred Couples, Joey Sindelar and D.A. Weibring led the way with 11 points apiece to win $7,500 each.

Beth Daniel, seeking her first victory in three years, shot a 5-under-par 66 to take a one-stroke lead over Martha Nause after the opening round of the $225,000 Atlantic City LPGA tournament at Somers Point, N.J.

Daniel, who was sidelined for three months earlier this year with mononucleosis, did not have a bogey and made par-saving putts on the 16th and 18th holes to go along with five birdies.

Chi Chi Rodriguez shot a 5-under-par 66 and has a one-shot lead over nine players after one round of the $250,000 Greater Grand Rapids Seniors Open at Grand Rapids, Mich.