Taiwan’s Lu Chien-soon shot a nine-under-par 63 on Saturday to match the course record and take a one-stroke lead over John Cook after the second round of the Champions Tour’s Montreal Championship.
Lu bogeyed the opening hole, then had 10 birdies in a 13-hole stretch from the fifth to the 17th to reach 16-under at the Fontainebleau Golf Club. He equaled the course record set last year by D.A. Weibring in the inaugural tournament and matched on Friday by Cook and John Huston. Cook, a two-time winner this year, had a 66 on Saturday.
Lu settled for par on the par-four 18th when his 25-foot putt for birdie went wide right.
Photo: AFP
“Just misread it,” Lu said.
The 51-year-old Taiwanese player has fought a debilitating back injury. Having previously attributed part of his recovery to drinking wine, he had a surprising twist to offer when asked about his preparation for Saturday.
“British beer,” Lu said smiling, before noting that he planned on sticking with what was working as he got ready to face the final round with the lead. “Just a little bit, beer.”
Cook, a two-time winner this year, had a 66 on Saturday.
“[Lu]’s world class. He really is,” said Cook, second behind Larry Mize last year. “He surprised us a bit last year. We’ll get a chance to see him up close and personal again [Sunday].”
Huston was two strokes back after a 67. He won last week in Endicott, New York, for his first victory on the 50-and-over tour. Jay Haas and Joey Sindelar were 13-under after 66s.
Mize was 10-under after a 69.
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