Cochran, a Lefty, Has Tucson Lead After Shooting 65

Left-hander Russ Cochran took advantage of ideal conditions and shot a 65 Thursday to take a 1-stroke lead in the first round of the $600,000 Tucson Open golf tournament.

Payne Stewart, South African David Frost, Corey Pavin and Mark Calcavecchia shot 66s to tie for second place.

Cochran, a non-winner in 6 seasons on the PGA Tour, preserved sole control of the lead with a hard-won par on the final hole.

After a poor drive put him in trouble, he got up and down from 70 yards short of the green, sinking an 8-foot par putt.

“I just seemed to have the touch today. Everything went in,” said Cochran, who played the front nine in 31 and had three consecutive birdies on that side.

Dan Halldorson, Wayne Levi, Mark O’Meara, Roy Biancalana and John Cook were at 67.