|
 |   |
|
EVENTS Fantasy Central Inside Game Video Plus Statitudes Your Turn Message Boards Email Newsletters Golf Guide Cities 
CNNSI.com GROUP
COMMERCE
|  |
Birthday boy Norman one stroke behind Garcia at International
Updated: Friday February 09, 2001 12:37 PM
SYDNEY, Australia (AP) -- Elder statesman Greg Norman is sitting between two youngsters -- Sergio Garcia and Aaron Baddeley -- going into Saturday's third round of the Greg Norman Holden International at The Lakes. Garcia's 4-under 69 Friday left him 13-under par for the tournament and one stroke ahead of Norman (68), his partner on Saturday in a dream final group for the promoter -- who also happens to be Norman. Australian Open champion Baddeley (68) is a stroke back alongside Welshman Phillip Price (69) at 11-under with three other young Australians -- James McLean (67), Nathan Green (69) and Adam Scott (67) -- within four shots of Garcia. Price, 34, made the turn in 32. He has not won since the 1994 Portuguese Open, but was runner-up to Tiger Woods in the NEC World Championship in Ohio last August. "A 69 is a good round, but it could have been a lot, lot better," said Garcia, who three-putted for bogey on No. 16 and par on No. 17. Norman, who turns 46 Saturday, sank a six-foot par putt on the 18th to ensure he would partner 21-year-old Garcia, who claimed he might surprise The Great White Shark on the first tee. "A birthday kiss?" Garcia said with a wink. "I might give him two. "I am very happy that I am going to have the chance to play with him. It's going to be great, a good experience.' Norman does not see his battle against Garcia, Baddeley and the rest as a case of the old man against the upstarts, and he doubts his experience will be of much benefit. "They're all skin and bones so there's not much to eat on them, is there?" Norman said in reference to the fit nature of the new generation. "These kids are experienced, they came out of the womb experienced, their approach to the game is far superior to what I remember at 19, 20 or 21. "I wish I was 21 now, the way our sport is going." Baddeley was in good spirits after his round, which included plenty of friendly banter with Michael Campbell and good friend Scott, who good-naturedly complained when they all eagled the par-5 14th and he still had to tee off last. The 19-year-old Baddeley admitted he especially enjoyed being paired with players of his own age instead of those from the older generation. "I guess because we are young, we can relate and talk about certain things and experiences you've had," said Baddeley. "It's good to go out there and play with the young guys, going head to head." England's Nick Faldo missed his second consecutive cut in Australia, shooting a par-73 Friday after an opening 76.
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||
