GOLF WESTERN OPEN : McCallister Beats Storm, Leads by One

Blaine McCallister finished his leading round of 64 Thursday before a drought-breaking storm forced an overnight postponement in the first round of the $1.1-million Western Open.

McCallister and the other early starters played under a tornado warning, but it was the late players who had to scurry for shelter in the face of a severe, damaging afternoon thunderstorm in the southwestern suburbs of Chicago.

“There were tornadoes that touched down all along the storm line,” said Peter deYoung, tournament director of the Western Golf Assn.

“Winds were clocked at 80 m.p.h. at Hinsdale, about 10 miles away,” he said. “I think what passed over us was a tornado that didn’t touch down.

“It was terrifying. I saw spectators running for cover who had terror on their face. I’m glad I didn’t have a mirror, because I’m sure my face looked the same.”

DeYoung said only two minor injuries, both to spectators, were reported.

“The golf course was littered with debris from the high winds,” he said. “We lost power to the corporate hospitality area. And the winds knocked down nine of the 10 hospitality tents in that area.”

Half the field of 156 was stranded on the Dubsdread course at the Cog Hill golf complex, marked positions and is scheduled to return early this morning to resume play.

The second round will start as soon as all players complete 18 holes. But the forecast is not favorable for completion of second-round play. More storms are expected.

McCallister, who had three birdies and an eagle on the four par-five holes, held a one-stroke lead over Australian Ian Baker-Finch.

“Man, I’m glad to get that in,” McCallister said after losing one stroke to par on the three finishing holes.

Baker-Finch, making his last start before defense of his British Open title later this month, birdied three of the last four holes for a 65.

Loren Roberts, Larry Nelson and Brian Claar were tied for third among the early finishers at 68.

Davis Love III and Masters champion Fred Couples each shot 70. John Daly struggled to an 80.