The Local Knowlege

Blackmar and Sluman go head to head. Or more precisely, head to neck...

SONOMA, Calif. - Great pairing in the final group of the Charles Schwab Cup Championship Friday: Phil Blackmar and Jeff Sluman, a foot of difference in their height, none on their scorecards Thursday as both shot six-under 66 to share the first-round lead at Sonoma GC.
 
Early in the second round the 6-foot-7 Blackmar and the 5-7 Sluman are playing to a draw, both even par for the day through seven holes and trailing John Cook, who is at nine under for the tournament through eight holes.
 
As the 52-year-old Blackmar noted after the first round, he used to be even taller. "I've shrunk lately," he said. "I was 6-7 and 5/8ths at my tallest. I'm about 6-7 now. I can hit it really straight off my knees, so I'm just waiting until I can get about that height so I can hit it straight."
 
In the points race for the Charles Schwab Cup, leader Loren Roberts isn't helping his cause. He is three-over for the day and T-28 at one-over through 11 holes. Pursuers Bernhard Langer (currently T-8), Fred Funk and Jay Haas (both T-17) are in position to put some pressure on Roberts, who entered the week with a 165-point advantage over Funk in the quest for the $1 million annuity.
 
-- Bill Fields

Comments

Post A Comment

The latest on golf digest

Close

Thank you for signing up for the Tip of the Week newsletter.

You will receive your first newsletter soon.
Subscribe to Golf World
Subscribe today

Golf Digest Rewards

Golf Equipment: 3Balls.com - New and used golf equipment

Sign-up for Golf Digest's Above The Cut