GOLF ROUNDUP : Watson and Wind Are Talk of Western Open

Tom Watson, a non-winner on the PGA Tour since 1987, returned to the event that produced his first victory and fought through strong winds Thursday to take the first-round lead in the $2-million Western Open at Lemont, Ill.

“It was a long time ago, but I’ll never forget that first victory,” said Watson, whose 1974 Western win began his decade of dominance on the tour. “I feel good about my game, pretty good for a 45-year-old golfer. I’d like to win another tournament--soon.”

Despite steady winds that gusted in excess of 30 m.p.h., Watson shot a four-under-par 68 over the 7,073-yard course at Cog Hill Golf and Country Club.

“I’m always happy to see the wind,” said Watson, who also won the Western in 1977 and 1984. “It doesn’t become such a putting contest. It becomes more of a chess game.”

Watson birdied four of the final six holes and shot 32 on the back nine to take a one-stroke lead over Ed Fiori, Jay Haas, Brett Ogle, Joel Edwards and Steve Lowery. Edwards had a hole in one on the 172-yard 14th hole.

Fred Couples and Justin Leonard were another stroke behind at two-under. Greg Kraft, Craig Simpson, Bob Gilder, Guy Boros, Ronnie Black and Mark Calcavecchia shot 71s and were the only other golfers under par.

Two-time defending champion Nick Price shot a 75 and needs to rally today to make the cut.

The only amateur in the field, 19-year-old Tiger Woods, shot a 74. He was playing for the first time since a wrist injury forced him to withdraw from the U.S. Open.

U.S. Open champion Corey Pavin also shot a 74.

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Sven Struver of Germany outplayed all the big names as he fired an opening-round, seven-under-par 65 and took a two-stroke lead in the Irish Open at Kilkenny.

Struver had seven birdies over the Mount Juliet course designed by Jack Nicklaus. His closest rivals were Roger Chapman of Britain and Australian Robert Allenby.

Scotland’s Colin Montgomerie and Sandy Lyle were in a group of 11 players at 68, with seven more players at 69. Greg Norman shot a 70, defending champion Bernhard Langer a 72.