Mediate Takes the Lead at Pennsylvania Classic

L.A. Times Archives

Sept. 22, 2001 12 AM PT

From Associated Press

Fans in western Pennsylvania were treated to a double delight from the hometown guys Friday--Arnold Palmer played on despite withdrawing, and Rocco Mediate grabbed a share of the lead in the Pennsylvania Classic at Ligonier.

Mediate, who grew up about 20 miles away and joined Laurel Valley Golf Club six years ago, nearly holed out twice from the fairway in his round of 68, completing a 29-hole marathon as the clubhouse leader.

Mediate was at 137 and tied for the lead with Steve Flesch, who was seven under through 10 holes when play was suspended because of darkness.

“I was a bit nervous yesterday, teeing off, being at home in front of everybody,” Mediate said. “I can tell the people are pulling for me.”

Play has been behind since a four-hole rain delay Thursday, compounded by a one-hour delay Friday morning because of fog. The second round will be completed today, and tournament officials hope to get on track by Sunday.

Palmer won’t be returning because he withdrew by not turning in his scorecard when he finished his first round Friday morning, but he played on to the delight of a large gallery that came to see him.

Emilee Klein finished a long day with a four-under 68 to take a one-stroke lead over Sherri Steinhauer and Meg Mallon halfway through the second round of the rain-shortened Asahi Ryokuken International at North Augusta, S.C.

Steinhauer shot a 66, her lowest round since March. Rosie Jones had a 68 for a five-under total, matching first-round leaders Marianne Morris, Vickie Odegard and Laura Diaz--who did not play.

Because of rain delays the last two days, officials had sliced off 18 holes, decreeing that those who had finished Thursday would take Friday off and return for a second round today. Those ending Friday would continue for 18 more holes and then skip today.

Larry Nelson shot a seven-under 65 to take a one-stroke lead in the SAS Championship, the new Senior PGA Tour event at Cary, N.C.

Monday qualifier Jay Overton, Doug Tewell and Isao Aoki opened with 66s.