U.S. Escapes Wave of Golf Upsets at Dunhill : Defeats S. Korea Despite Loss by Calcavecchia; Australia Ousted as Frenchman Stuns Norman

The United States--but not Mark Calcavecchia--avoided the wave of upsets that swept Australia and two other seeded teams out of play today in the first round of the Dunhill Cup.

With Curtis Strange and Tom Kite scoring relatively easy victories, the United States advanced with a 2-1 decision over South Korea in the 16-nation medal-match play event.

Calcavecchia, however, fell victim to 33-year-old Park Nam Shin, who beat the current British Open titleholder 70-71 with a 4-foot birdie putt on the final hole at the Old Course.

“This will make him a national hero in Korea,” Park’s interpreter said.

Strange won by 12 strokes over Choi Sang Ho, 67-79. Kite had five three-putts but beat Choi Yoon Soo 72-75.

The Americans, who have yet to win this event, next play Argentina, which surprised No. 8 seed Wales and Ian Woosnam 2 1/2- 1/2.

The major upset of a cool, cloudy, breezy day, however, was the elimination of second-seeded Australia and Greg Norman, 2-1 losers to France.

After Emmanuel Dussart edged Ian Baker-Finch 72-73, Marc Pendaries stunned Norman 71-73.

Norman hit a tee shot out of bounds for a double bogey-7 on the 14th and saw his last chance for a comeback disappear on a three-putted bogey on the famed “Road Hole,” the 17th.

“I just got beaten,” Norman said. “After the double bogey, I couldn’t make a putt to get back in it.

“I was four up (after five holes) and cruising. But this is a weird format and anything can happen,” he said.

Sweden beat No. 4 seed Spain 2-1 when Mangus Persson edged Jose Rivero 71-72 in the decisive match.