WOBURN, 25 September 2004 — Ryder Cup hero Colin Montgomerie came down to earth with a bump yesterday when he missed the cut at The Heritage. There was better news, however, for forgotten man Phillip Price who showed flashes of his best to move into a share of the early lead with fellow Britain Graeme McDowell.
Montgomerie, one of the four victorious Ryder Cup men at Woburn, finished his first round with an eagle but slumped to a second-round 77 after beginning with a double bogey.
His poor showing means he has lost his chance of playing in next week’s WGC American Express Championship.
Price, who scored a crucial victory over then world No. 2 Phil Mickelson in the 2002 match against the United States, eagled the last to briefly lead on his own before McDowell finished birdie-birdie to match him.
A six-under 66 drew Welshman Price up to nine-under-par 135, while Northern Ireland’s McDowell added a 68 to leave the pair a stroke better than Patrik Sjoland of Sweden.
Kim Fires 64 to Lead California LPGA Tournament
In Auburn, California, Christina Kim, second on the LPGA Tour with 300 birdies, shot a 7-under-par 64 to take a one-stroke lead at the one million Longs Drugs Challenge.
Kim shot 32 on the back nine of The Ridge Golf Course, recording seven birdies, including three in four holes starting at the par-4 sixth in Thursday’s first round. Australia’s Rachel Teske is in second after a 65 while two-time winner Juli Inkster, of the US, is among a group at 5-under 66. Sweden’s Helen Alfredsson, the defending champ, had an erratic 4-under 67. Former winner Cristie Kerr, who has won three times this year, struggled to a 5-over 76.
Lin and Thammanoon Share Halfway Lead in Tiawan Open
In Taipei, Taiwan’s Lin Chie-hsiang joined Thammanoon Srirot of Thailand on top of the halfway leaderboard at the Taiwan Open yesterday as local legend Hsieh Min-nan remained in the title hunt.
The 43-year-old Lin, winner of the event in 1992 and 1993, produced a fine one-under-par 71. Thammanoon battled to a 73 to jointly lead the $300,000 Asian Tour event.
