GOLF ROUNDUP : Stewart Has Two 70s and a Two-Shot Lead

Payne Stewart played a second consecutive day of solid golf, shooting a two-under-par 70 on Friday for a two-shot lead midway through the $1-million Freeport-McMoRan Classic at New Orleans.

Stewart, who shot a windblown 70 on Thursday for a one-shot lead, completed 36 holes at 140, two strokes better than Mike Standly, who had his second 71.

“I’m excited about what I’m doing on the golf course,” Stewart said. “I seem to be playing with a lot of confidence. The weather got better out there. The guys who played early or late had the advantage.”

After shooting a 35 on the front nine, Stewart was even on the back nine when he birdied the tough 18th hole for another 35.

Wind gusting to 35 m.p.h. across the 7,116-yard, par-72 English Turn course Thursday was reduced to a brisk breeze Friday and scores fell accordingly.

Stewart, who teed off early Thursday before the worst of the wind, played late on Friday and again found better conditions. The wind wasn’t as much of a factor Friday, although golfers still had to cope with the tough course and hard greens.

Standly, who tied for second in the tournament last year, faltered on the back nine.

“I really felt like I could put a lot of air between me and some people after that start, but I just started thinking too much about it,” Standly said.

Left-hander Russ Cochran made a big move, shooting a 68 for 143.

“I played solid,” Cochran said. “I missed a few opportunities, but it’s a hard golf course to play.”

Greg Norman, who has finished second three times in three trips to this event, shook off a first-day 77 with a 69 to stay in the hunt at 146.

Defending champion Chip Beck shot a 75 for a two-day total of 154 and missed the cut by two shots.

Pamela Wright of Scotland overcame whipping winds to shoot a two-under-par 70 and take a one-shot lead after the first round of the $450,000 Las Vegas LPGA at Canyon Gate.

Wright birdied three holes in a five-hole stretch on the back nine to catch and pass the early leaders. She hit all nine greens on the back side, when the wind subsided late in the day.

“The wind just wears you out,” Wright said. “But I got the ball where I wanted it and I never looked at the leader board. I’m very happy to be under par today.”

Missie McGeorge, Kris Monaghan, Trish Johnson, Allison Finney, Lisa DePaulo and Judy Dickinson were the only other players to break par on the 6,114-yard Canyon Gate Country Club course.

Patty Sheehan, Beth Daniel, Juli Inkster and Terry-Jo Myers led a large group of players at 72.