GOLF / PGA AT CORAL SPRINGS, FLA. : Azinger Doesn’t Want a Repeat Performance

Paul Azinger will take precautions to prevent a repeat performance of his day-late disqualification of a week ago.

So will the PGA Tour.

Azinger is one stroke behind the leaders after Friday’s second round of the Honda Classic at Coral Springs, Fla., the same position he was a week ago at the Doral Open when a telephone call from a television viewer resulted in Azinger’s ouster from the tournament.

Before he signs his card after today’s third round, Azinger will ask a tour official to review television film of his play.

“I won’t sign my card until he says everything is OK,” Azinger said. “I’m not kidding.”

But it really won’t be necessary.

As a result of Azinger’s disqualification, PGA Tour Commissioner Deane Beman ordered a rules official to monitor the telecasts with an eye toward catching any infractions immediately.

This practice, in effect for the first time in pro golf, will continue until the next regular meeting of the policy board on June 4, when the disqualification penalty will be reviewed.

At the Doral, Azinger inadvertently moved a couple of rocks when taking a stance in a hazard, a violation of the rule that calls for a two-shot penalty. Azinger, unaware he had committed an infraction, signed a card that did not include the penalty and was thus disqualified.

“After what happened to me, I’m pleased I wasn’t trying to force anything, just let things happen,” Azinger said after a five-under-par 67 in the second round put him at 135 after 36 holes.

John Huston, whose only tour victory came in this event a year ago, Dan Halldorson and Steve Pate shared the lead at 10-under-par 134.

Meanwhile, another leading player was eliminated on a rules infraction.

Wayne Levi, the PGA tour’s player of the year for 1990, called officials early in the day and said he had removed some lead tape from his driver during Thursday’s first round play.

That’s a violation of rule 4-2, altering the characteristics of a club during play, and calls for disqualification.