GOLF : Long Putt Gives Langer the Lead

Bernhard Langer made a 55-foot putt for a birdie on the final hole Thursday, giving him the lead after one round of the World Championship.

The putt finished off a four-under-par 67 at the Tryall Resort course and gave Langer a one-stroke advantage over Australians Craig Parry and Greg Norman.

Paul Azinger and Frank Nobilo of New Zealand were next at 69 and tied for fourth in the field of 26 players chasing a total purse of $2.5 million and a $525,000 winner’s share.

Seve Ballesteros of Spain was alone at 70 after he birdied three of his last four holes.

Masters champion Ian Woosnam of Wales shot 72, and British Open winner Ian Baker-Finch of Australia struggled to a 75.

But U.S. Open title-holder Payne Stewart and PGA champion John Daly had even more difficulty with the narrow fairways and knee-deep rough. Each shot 77.