Nick Price breezes around

SONOMA, Calif. -- Nick Price got his work done in a hurry Saturday at the Charles Schwab Cup Championship.

Eschewing a non-competing marker and playing by himself, Price breezed around Sonoma GC in two hours, 28 minutes and shot a four-under 68, his best round of the tournament.

"I just played at my normal pace," said Price, who had climbed from 29th place to T-19 when he was done. "There was one hole when I felt I was on the march and took a couple of deep breaths and slowed down a bit. I had the option of a marker, but I'd rather just go at my own pace. If you and your caddie can get in a groove, there is nothing else taking your focus away."

The Schwab field went from 30 to 29 players before the first round when Tom Lehman withdrew to be with his ill father, who passed away this week. (It was shortened to 28 players Saturday when Joey Sindelar withdrew because of illness.)

Despite the attractive pace of play, Price did have to deal with his right shoulder, which has been sore for about two weeks. "It tightens up on me - I think I've strained something," Price said. "When I wake up in the morning it feels like I've thrown 100 pitches."

-- *Bill Fields *