Haas in charge at Toshiba Classic

Toshiba Classic organizers were a bit concerned about attracting golf fans to Newport Beach Country Club for its 22nd annual event.

There’s a Los Angeles Rams’ home game Sunday and a big-time concert featuring rock ‘n’ roll hall of famers in the desert this weekend. But, there have been plenty of people showing up to watch golf’s version of “Old-chella.”

Many came to watch the rookie with some rock-star appeal in John Daly, but it’s one of the older legends who has stepped up and is displaying some of the magic that has made him special throughout his career. That would be Jay Haas, who is seeking his second victory at the Toshiba Classic.

Haas, who won the Toshiba in 2007 and was runner-up after losing a seven-hole playoff to Bernhard Langer in 2008, shot eight-under-par 63 to extend his lead from one to five heading into Sunday’s final round.

Haas’ 2007 victory at Newport Beach featured the tournament scoring record of 19-under. Haas is two shots better than what he had after two rounds nine years ago.

He birdied the final two holes and nearly shot the number of his age, 62, on Saturday. Haas finished with eight birdies during his bogey-free round.

If Haas can earn his second Toshiba victory he will become the second-oldest winner in Champions Tour history. Mike Fetchick won the 1985 Hilton Head Seniors Invitational when he was just less than three months older than Haas.

“I don’t know what’s gotten into me,” Haas said. “I’ve always said the ball doesn’t know how old you are or what your name is or anything like that. If you hit a good shot, it goes right down the middle on the green and in the hole. So I’m not trying to think about being old or anything like that. I feel good. I feel positive with my swing. I’m not doing it with smoke and mirrors.”

Fred Funk is at 10-under, five shots behind Haas, who attended Arnold Palmer’s memorial service in Latrobe, Pa. on Tuesday and took a charter flight to Orange County later that day.

Funk shot a 65 Saturday, six shots better than his even-par in the first round.

Daly is one of six (Grant Waite, Ian Woosnam, Doug Garwood, Billy Andrade, Bart Bryant) at nine-under, tied for third. Daly ended his first round with five consecutive birdies.

He opened with two straight birdies and an eagle on No. 3, a par-5 for 522 yards. He shot 66 with one bogey on No. 8. He wowed the crowd with his long drives, impressing Haas on No. 1 as Haas watched from the practice green. Daly’s opening tee shot blasted over 300 yards and onto the green of the 322-yard, par-4 hole.

“It’s good to have John playing well out here and it seemed like the people got excited about it,” Haas said. “There’s no defense, so I don’t have to guard him. I don’t have to return his serves or anything like that; just try to keep my ball in play and get in the hole as quickly as possible.”

Daly’s performance has also been impressive as he is dealing with a troublesome right shoulder. He said he could not believe he shot a 66.

He enjoyed the gallery following him. It swelled throughout the day and reminded many of what Fred Couples attracted in his debut in 2010, when he won the Toshiba.

Daly wasn’t just impressed with the number of people.

“Honestly, wow, there’s some beautiful women out there,” Daly said with a laugh. “But there’s been a lot of people out here. It’s great. This tournament, fans support it.”

Haas admitted that this Toshiba is his to lose because of a five-shot lead, though he knows players can move up the leaderboard with great opportunities for a low score on the course known for its short yardage.

“Oh, I’m excited,” Haas said of playing in the final round with a five-shot lead. “It’s great to be this position…I guess I still need to feel that those guys are right there, 0-0, going into the fourth quarter here. I just need to play hard and be aggressive, be positive, make some putts, keep putting the ball in the fairway.”

Haas shared a one-shot lead with 50-year-old Billy Mayfair after the first round. Mayfair struggled in the second round, shooting five over. He did not want to speak to the media after his round.

Haas was surprised that Mayfair fell behind on Saturday.

Haas, a nine-time PGA Tour winner who has 17 Champions Tour victories, will tee off at 1:06 p.m. on Sunday with Funk and Waite.

Daly starts at 12:44 with Bryant and Frost, who won the Toshiba in 2013.