Gustafson’s Late Birdies Key to British Open Lead

Sophie Gustafson birdied the last four holes Friday to take a three-stroke lead halfway through the Women’s British Open at Southport, England, while Karrie Webb faded from contention.

Australia’s Webb, who has won two major titles and five other tournaments this year, dropped out of the lead with a two-over-par 75 in the second round at Royal Birkdale.

Gustafson, meanwhile, shot a 66 to get to 10 under, taking a three-stroke lead over Juli Inkster, who had a 69. Becky Iverson, who had her second successive 70, is another shot behind.

Webb, ranked No. 1 in the world, is at three under.

“It was a pretty bad day,” Webb said. “I didn’t play well at all today. I was just lucky to get out of it what I did.”

Her round included a bogey at the first hole, and a four-putt triple bogey at the 11th put Webb at five over for the day.

Sherri Steinhauer’s bid for a third British Open title in a row ended when she missed the cut despite chipping in for an eagle at the last hole.

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Jim Thorpe, playing the Novell Utah Showdown for the first time, and Gil Morgan, the winner two years ago, shot 64s to share the first-round lead in the Senior PGA Tour event at Park City.

Dana Quigley, who set a tournament record with a 62 in the second round last year, was one stroke behind, along with Jim Albus, Tom Wargo and Simon Hobday.

Bill Brask was at seven under on the 18th hole when thunder and heavy rains suspended play with two groups still on the course.

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Hollis Stacy, Vicki Fergon, Dale Eggeling and Marilyn Lovander shot two-under 70s to share the lead in the inaugural Women’s Senior Tour event at Green Bay, Wis.

“I’m thrilled,” said Stacy, 46, one of the tour’s organizers. “It’s been a lot of hard work and been a lot of frustration. To see all of it come to fruition is very satisfying.”

JoAnne Carner and Jane Crafter were one shot back after the first round of the ShopKo Great Lakes Classic, one of two events this year on the tour for players age 43 and older.