BellSouth Finally Is Underway

Billy Mayfair was at four-under par through 13 holes Saturday to take a one-stroke lead in the first round of the rain-delayed BellSouth Classic, shortened to 54 holes after stormy conditions wiped out the first two days of play at Duluth, Ga.

After originally planning a 36-hole finish Monday to complete 72 holes, PGA Tour official Slugger White said the players will play only one round Monday.

The forecast for today is for temperatures in the 60s with 10-15 mph wind, and it is expected to be in the low 70s Monday with little wind.

Rain has affected eight of the 14 tournaments on tour so far this year. Last week, the Players Championship also finished on a Monday in Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla.

Mayfair was among 63 players who did not finish the round, which will be completed this morning.

J.L. Lewis, Scott McCarron and Ted Purdy were the leaders in the clubhouse at three-under 69, and Brett Quigley and Ryuji Imada also were at three under. Quigley completed 16 holes, and Imada played 11.

Phil Mickelson, preparing for his title defense in the Masters, was two over through 15 holes.

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Former British Open champion Paul Lawrie overcame bad weather to shoot a five-under 66 and take a one-stroke lead in the rain-interrupted third round of the Portugal Open.

Heavy rain forced three stoppages and strong winds swept the oceanside Oitavos course near Lisbon. Lawrie had seven birdies and two bogeys to go into the clubhouse at 11-under 202.

Lawrie was ahead of Barry Lane, who completed 15 holes before play was stopped because of darkness.