Funk passes Cook at Senior Open

John Cook, who blew a big lead at the British Senior Open on Sunday, had the U.S. Senior Open lead most of the day Thursday with a four-under-par 66 at Colorado Springs, Colo.

Then Fred Funk birdied the 16th and 17th holes to go six under at The Broadmoor’s East Course before three-putting the final hole and finishing at 65.

Funk had two birdies and an eagle on the first four holes of a spectacular round that was bogey-free until the 18th hole.

“Obviously, I got off to a ridiculously good start,” Funk said. “It was a good day. You can’t be displeased with a 65 on this course -- or any course.

“I hate to say it, I think I could have shot a 61 or 62 today.”

Four players were tied for third place at three under: Morris Hatalsky, Eduardo Romero, Juan Quiros and Tom Kite.

Greg Norman shot a solid 70, the same as defending champion Brad Bryant.

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Retief Goosen, a late arrival and an early starter, took advantage of a Firestone South course that played long but with short rough on his way to a four-under 66 that gave him a one-shot lead in the Bridgestone Invitational at Akron, Ohio.

One year after Tiger Woods (absent this time) was the only player to break par, Goosen and 32 other players in the 80-man field met only minor resistance on a balmy afternoon at this World Golf Championship event.

Vijay Singh and former Masters champion Zach Johnson were among those at 67. Steve Stricker lost three shots in two holes late in the round and finished in another large group at 68 that included Phil Mickelson.

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Jeff Overton shot a seven-under 65 for a two-shot lead at the Legends Reno-Tahoe Open, where Michelle Wie shot a one-over 73, putting her in a tie for 77th.