Watson and Herron Hold Lead, but It Might All Be For Naught

Tom Watson can win eight majors, 33 tournaments, more than $8 million in prize money and make a bunch of putts like he did Saturday on greens so bumpy it seemed as though the ball was rolling over bottle caps.

But there’s something Watson can’t do.

“I can’t predict the weather,” he said.

“If I could predict the weather, I wouldn’t be playing golf, I promise you that.”

Once again, the weather was the story Saturday at the AT&T; Pebble Beach National Pro-Am, where the clouds disappeared, the sun shone brightly and an entire second round was played.

Watson and Tim Herron finished the day tied for the lead at 10-under-par 134 and while neither one could forecast a victory today, there is something that appears to be right around the corner.

That would be rain, of course. It’s supposed to hit by noon, which isn’t exactly good news, especially since the forecast for Monday is for even more rain. As a concession to wet conditions, the event was shortened to 54 holes, but it’s far from certain that many will be played.

“I think they will be very lucky to get 54 holes,” Davis Love III said.

Then they’re probably going to have to be happy with 36 and another washed-out tournament, which would be their second in three years.

With a lot of loose talk centered around maybe moving the tournament date to the last spot on the West Coast swing (won’t happen) or maybe in October (even less likely), Watson and Herron managed to take a one-shot lead.

Watson’s 67 at Pebble Beach featured five birdies and no bogeys. It also was noteworthy because not one of his birdie putts was from less than 10 feet.

Herron shot 66 at Poppy Hills, then said he really isn’t surprised he played that well in the wet and sloppy conditions because he’s a mudder.

“I’m from Minnesota, you know,” he said.

So is Tom Lehman, who had a 71 at Poppy Hills and is one shot back at nine-under 135. He is tied with Jay Haas, who had a 67 at Pebble Beach, and Phil Mickelson, who produced a 70 at Spyglass.

Five are two shots off the lead--Love, Paul Azinger, Jim Furyk, Chris Smith and Tom Pernice Jr.

There are 19 players within four shots of the leaders, which normally would mean there’s plenty of room to operate. But not here. This tournament is about one shower away from oblivion. Although that’s sort of a familiar situation around here, nobody feels very good about it.

“I don’t care if the wind blows 50,” Watson said. “Just as long as they don’t have rain. I just want to get this tournament in. I don’t want this thing canceled after 36 holes and go on to the next tournament.

“Bing was up there today. He opened up the skies for us so we had a chance to get this thing in.”

The ranks of those who would just as soon see a flood up to the steps of the Lodge include defending champion Mark O’Meara and Tiger Woods. O’Meara shot a two-under 70, but he is still 12 shots back with one round to go. Woods, who played with O’Meara at Spyglass, is at 148 after a 72. He is 14 shots behind the leaders and tied for 143rd in the 168-player field.

Watson is a two-time winner of this tournament and also won the 1982 U.S. Open at Pebble Beach, so his local knowledge would seem to be a formidable advantage.

The problem is, Watson is playing at Poppy Hills today. Herron is at Spyglass and so are Lehman and Haas. Mickelson might have the best opportunity since he’s going to be at Pebble Beach, which drains the best and may play the easiest--as long as the wind doesn’t blow.

“It’s going to be very unique,” said Mickelson, meaning the last round will be played on three courses.

Anything can happen, of course. Maybe it won’t even rain.

(BEGIN TEXT OF INFOBOX / INFOGRAPHIC)

The Leaders

At Pebble Beach--Par 72

(36-Hole Scores)

Tom Watson: 67-67--134 -10

Tim Herron: 68-66--134 -10

Jay Haas: 68-67--135 -9

Phil Mickelson: 65-70--135 -9

Tom Lehman: 64-71--135 -9

Paul Azinger: 67-69--136 -8

Davis Love III: 68-68--136 -8

Chris Smith: 69-67--136 -8

Tom Pernice Jr.: 67-69--136 -8

Jim Furyk: 69-67--136 -8