Golf: Pavin produces masterful round

(First Edition)

Corey Pavin, battling cold, gusting winds, scored a spectacular seven-under-par 64 to take a three-stroke lead at the half-way point of the Los Angeles Open. Pavin had nine threes on his card, required only 20 putts and did not drop a shot despite the difficult weather conditions and bumpy greens. 'Considering the weather, and the quality of the golf course, this could be the very best round I've ever played,' the American said. He completed 36 holes in 11-under-par 131, three in front of his Ryder Cup team-mate Fred Couples, who was alone in second place after a second-round 67. Couples was already at eight under when Pavin started his round, a score that Pavin believed would hold up for the lead. 'Then I shocked myself with birdies at the first three holes right out of the box,' Pavin said. 'It was a very difficult day.' He sank two ar putts of eight feet and one 12-footer, putts he described as crucial to his round. 'Those par putts were more critical than all the birdie putts, because if you miss them, then you're demoralised, but when you make them you have extra confidence,' Pavin said.