GOLF ROUNDUP : Levi Leads Western Open, but Watson Joins the Chase

Wayne Levi took the lead in the $1-million Western Open Saturday at Oak Brook, Ill., and promptly announced that he is gearing up for next week’s U.S. Open.

Tom Watson found himself in hot pursuit of the title he first won in 1974 and said he was thinking no such thoughts.

“Right now, I’m much more concerned with a fourth Western,” said Watson, who scored his first pro victory in this event in 1974 and scored subsequent triumphs in ’77 and ’84.

Levi took the lead with a windblown 70, two under par on the Butler National Golf Club in the western suburbs of Chicago.

With a 206 total, 10 under par, he will take a one-shot lead over PGA champion Payne Stewart into today’s final round.

Stewart could do no better than a par 72 in the gusty breezes. He was second alone at 207. Watson got himself in the title chase with a 69 and a slightly changed putting grip that prompted thoughts of breaking his three-year victory drought. He was tied for third at 209.

Patty Sheehan rolled in three birdie putts and parred the other 15 holes to take a two-stroke lead after three rounds of a $650,000 LPGA tournament at Wilmington, Del.

Sheehan shot a three-under-par 68 for a 54-hole total of eight-under 205.

She leads Barbara Mucha, who has not won in her four years on the tour. Mucha is at 207 after shooting a 67.

Phil Mickelson shot a six-under-par 66 to successfully defend his NCAA championship and help Arizona State overcome an 11-stroke deficit to win the team title at Tarpon Springs, Fla.

It was the first title for Arizona State, whose best previous finish was second in 1961. Mickelson became the sixth player to win at least two individual titles and the first repeat champion since USC’s Scott Simpson in 1976 and 1977.