Pavin needs just 21 putts, shares lead

GRAND BLANC, Mich., June 26 (UPI) -- Corey Pavin, just two years away from becoming eligible for the Champions Tour, shared the lead Thursday after one round of the Buick Open.

Pavin, who ranks last in driving distance among PGA Tour regulars, needed only 21 putts to shoot an 8-under 64 at the Warwick Hills Golf Club and shared first place with Bo Van Pelt and Dudley Hart.

Briny Baird and Daniel Chopra were one shot back. Those at 6-under 66 included Shigeki Maruyama, Woody Austin, Kenneth Ferrie and Jon Mills.

Pavin also shot a 64 last Sunday to conclude the Travelers Championship in a tie for 10th place, one of the five top-15 finishes he has had this year. The most recent of Pavin's 15 tour victories came two years ago.

"I just made some really nice mid-range putts today and one kind of bomb," Pavin said. "But I was in position and hit most of the fairways. So it was a good, good day."

Two-time U.S. Open winner Lee Janzen was among those at 67 and Jim Furyk was in a group at 68. Rocco Mediate, making his first appearance since falling to Tiger Woods in an epic U.S. Open playoff, shot 71.