Australia's John Senden holed a bunker shot for an eagle at the 18th hole to take a one shot lead in the 90-hole Bob Hope Classic at La Quinta, California on Thursday. Senden fired a bogey-free 7-under-par 65 at the Indian Wells Country Club for a two-round total of 15-under 129. Brandel Chamblee shot a 67 at Bermuda Dunes and is second at 14-under 130, the best 36-hole score of his 13-year career.
A well-rested Phil Mickelson has the best 36-hole score of his productive career and is tied for third with 1988 champion Jay Haas at 13-under 131. Former PGA Championship winner Steve Elkington of Australia and reigning Rookie of the Year Charles Howell comprise half the quartet at 12-under 132, while defending champion Joe Durant is 11 shots back at 140 after a three-under 69.
This event is a pro-am featuring some of the biggest stars in film, music and sports, including Joe Pesci, Samuel L Jackson, Michael Bolton, Alice Cooper, Roger Clemens and Emmitt Smith. Among those not joining in the fun is world number one Tiger Woods, who is skipping his second straight PGA Tour event after playing in New Zealand last week. Indian Wells and Bermuda Dunes are two of the four courses in the rotation at this five-round marathon. The others are the Tamarisk Country Club and PGA West.
Filed by Shane Murray
