THE OTHER SIDE OF THE DIVOT

TEXAS WINDS MISSING

Fort Worth, Texas---Fast fairways and no wind left Colonial at the mercy of the world’s best golfers. Determined trees set narrow openings to well bunkered greens protecting the legend of Hogan’s five victories. Members squirmed, watching their pride and joy give way to a 67.9 scoring average on Saturday.

Forecasts of limp to variable winds for Sunday leaves the crown open for a good ol’ Texas shootout.

Bryce Molder made nine one putts in a row, most longer than members “gimmes,” setting the pace for the 54 hole lead, tied with Brian Davis at 16-under par. Davis is battling an infected gum and a streak of missed cuts, proving to excuse makers to keep kickin’.

Relying on hitting fairways and greens in regulation, Zack Johnson, one spinout from the lead, alerted the tee-bombers to watch the scoreboard on Sunday.

Crane, Overton and Bohn posted 14-under, odd hats, birdies and eagles at every look and still two behind the record breaking pace of the leaders.

Corey Pavin is fifty; his putter is old enough to call him ‘Junior’. His 67-64-67 dismissed a tournament low driving length of 255 yards, giving hope to granddads tired of losing to grandkids.

Paul Goydos, another fifty year old, relieved any thoughts of putting woes with his oversized weapon on a shaft when he holed a five-iron on #13 for an ace. His demons rested.

John Daly ended his bogey free streak on his 39^th hole. Three more on the back nine left him with a day high 75.

Leaders will toss and turn, some thinking of history, others worried about keeping their card. Windless Colonial will narrow at the end.