International Scoring Is a Big Plus for Lowery

Steve Lowery, getting positive vibes from his victory in 1994, had seven birdies to claim the second-round lead Friday in the International at Castle Rock, Colo.

Lowery, who began the day with 8 points under the modified Stableford scoring system used in this event, overcame windy conditions to score 13 points and boost his total to 21.

Craig Barlow was second with 17 points, Mark Brooks had 15 and British Open champion Ernie Els 14.

First-round leader Steve Pate, who compiled 11 points on Thursday, added none Friday.

The scoring system awards 5 points for eagle, 2 for birdie, zero for par, minus-1 for bogey and minus-3 for double bogey or worse.

Among those missing the 36-hole cut were two-time winner Phil Mickelson (minus-18), David Duval (minus-16) and defending champion Tom Pernice Jr. (minus-11).

Lowery’s 21 points matches his total after two rounds in 1994, when he defeated Rick Fehr in a playoff.

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Playing her first five holes in five under par, Mhairi McKay shot a seven-under 65 to take a one-stroke lead over local favorite Rosie Jones after the opening round of the Wendy’s Championship for Children at Dublin, Ohio.

Starting the afternoon round on the 10th tee, McKay parred her first hole and then had a birdie, birdie, eagle and birdie on the next four holes.

Many of the top players skipped the tournament to prepare for next week’s final major championship of the year, the Women’s British Open. The missing players included seven of the tour’s top 10 money-winners.

Twelve-year-old amateur Michelle Wie of Honolulu shot a five-over 77.

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Hale Irwin had seven birdies over the final 12 holes and shot a seven-under 64 to take a one-stroke lead over Gil Morgan after the opening round of the Long Island Classic at Jericho, N.Y.

Five golfers, including Bruce Fleisher, who has won this event two of the last three years, and Lee Trevino, the gallery’s favorite, were at 66.