Fleisher Leads By Two Shots in Senior Debut

Hometown favorite Bruce Fleisher, bidding to become only the fifth player to win in his Senior PGA Tour debut, shot a two-under-par 69 Saturday for a two-stroke lead in the Royal Caribbean Classic.

Fleisher is at seven-under 135 going into the final round at Crandon Park Golf Course.

Fleisher, a former club pro from Miami who won once in his PGA Tour career, led after the first round with a 66. Four others have won in their senior tour debuts: Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player and George Archer.

Fleisher, who turned 50 in October, won the 1968 U.S. Amateur championship.

Isao Aoki and Jose Maria Canizares are two shots back at 137 after shooting 68s.

Defending champion David Graham had a two-stroke lead at one point, but a triple bogey on the last hole led to a 69, leaving him three shots back at 138.

Graham pushed his drive at No. 18 into the mangroves and took a one-stroke penalty. His third shot landed in a bunker, and he shot back across the green before chipping up and two-putting.