Pavin, Langer, Chapman, Daley tied for Classic lead

SAUCIER, Miss. — Corey Pavin birdied the first six holes in a blistering start Saturday in the Mississippi Gulf Resort Classic.

The rest of his day wasn’t as impressive, but the 53-year-old Pavin still walked off the 18th green with a smile on his face. He wasn’t about to complain about the 5-under 67 that put him in contention for his first Champions Tour victory of the season.

Instead, he focused on the six straight birdies as a good omen for the final round. Pavin has only made six straight birdies in a tournament one other time — at the PGA Tour’s 2006 U.S. Bank Championship — and he finished that weekend with a victory.

“It’s fun to do,” Pavin said. “That’s my longest string of birdies in a tournament ever. I got a little frisky on seven, trying to break my own record and I three-putted. But still, it was a good day and obviously a great start.”

Pavin joined Bernhard Langer, Roger Chapman and Joe Daley atop the second-round leaderboard. All four took advantage of Fallen Oak’s soft greens and ideal windless conditions to join a crowded leaderboard that features 14 players within three shots of the lead.

Some afternoon thunderstorms delayed the second round for more than an hour, but the rain couldn’t stop several players from posting low numbers. Pavin said he is preparing for a shootout on Sunday, though the forecast calls for a little more wind.

“There was no wind at all — calm as could be,” Pavin said. “The greens were a little more receptive. They’ll be receptive tomorrow, too. There’s going to be some good scores if the wind doesn’t blow.”

Pavin’s day could have been a lot better, but his drive on 18 found the rough and he had to settle for bogey to fall back into the pack. His first six holes were so good, he could afford a few errors down the stretch and still be in good position.

“It was a weird day after the first six holes, but I played well and hopefully if I go out tomorrow and play like I did today, I’ll be in good shape,” Pavin said.

Langer had a 65, Chapman shot 67, and Daley had a 66.

Esteban Toledo, Tom Pernice Jr., and Gene Sauers were a stroke behind the leaders. Toledo and Pernice shot 65 to match Langer for lowest round of the day.

Langer has already won once this year, at the ACE Group Classic in February. He has finished in the top three at three of four tournaments this season.

“I hit my irons a little closer today which gave me a little better birdie opportunities,” Langer said. “You have days when you feel good about your swing, but you never know if you’re going to make putts.”

Defending champion Fred Couples also had a good day, shooting a 66 to stay within striking distance at two strokes off the lead.

“I knew to have any kind of shot to do anything this weekend, I had to play well today,” Couples said. “There’s no saying you’re going to shoot 60 on Sunday. So I worked my way up the leaderboard and I think I’m in great shape. There are several other guys playing well, too, but I can’t stop them.”

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

Jackson head coach Steve Johnson runs through a play with his team during a timeout on Friday, Dec. 27, 2024 in Mountlake Terrace, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Longtime Jackson HC Steve Johnson earns WIBCA Hall of Fame nod

Johnson’s coaching career has spanned over 30 years and 400 wins.

Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon reacts after a play against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on Dec. 26, 2024. (Photo courtesy of Edwin Hooper / Seattle Seahawks)
Devon Witherspoon named lone Seahawks Pro Bowl selection

5 Seattle players named alternates to NFL’s all-star game.

Seahawks linebacker Ernest Jones IV (13) tackles San Francisco running back Christian McCaffery (23) in the Seahawks' 20-17 victory over the 49ers at Levi's Stadium on Nov. 17, 2024. (Photo courtesy of the Seattle Seahawks)
Ernest Jones hopes to stay with Seahawks

‘Everything is going that way’ for Seattle’s middle linebacker.

Inglewood, CA - December 28: Gonzaga guard Khalif Battle, center, #99, fouls UCLA guard/forward Eric Dailey Jr., #3, and was ejected from the game in the first half of the 2024 West Coast Hoops Showdown at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times / Tribunes New Services)
UCLA loss drops Gonzaga to No. 19 in AP poll

The Bulldogs have tumbled since being ranked third in November.

Shorecrest’s Devan Jones dunks the ball during the game against Cascade on Monday, Dec. 30, 2024 in Shoreline, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Shorecrest posts statement win over Cascade

The Scots won 84-35 and played intense defense in the home win.

Defenseman Landon DuPont (center), the first-overall selection in the 2024 WHL prospects draft, poses alongside Everett Silvertips chief operating officer Zoran Rajcic (left) and general manager Mike Fraser (right). DuPont, just the second player ever granted exceptional status by the WHL in order to play in the league as a 15-year-old, officially signed with the Tips on Tuesday. (Chris Mast / Everett Silvertips)
Silvertips’ rookie sensation named WHL Player of the Week.

Landon DuPont recorded two goals and three assists in two games against Seattle.

Seahawks prepare for season finale

Seattle heads to Los Angeles already eliminated from postseason.

Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald celebrates a win over the Chicago Bears in a Soldier Field locker room on Thurday, Dec. 27, 2024. (Photo courtesy of the Seattle Seahawks)
Seahawks eliminated from postseason

Seattle to miss playoffs in consecutive seasons for first time in 15 years.

X
Prep basketball roundup for Saturday, Dec. 28

Jackson boys return to winning ways with an overtime victory.

Prep wrestling roundup for Saturday, Dec. 28

Stanwood, Monroe and Snohomish shine at holiday meets.

Jackson’s Seamus Williams reaches around for a layup during the game against Squalicum on Friday, Dec. 27, 2024 in Mountlake Terrace, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Jackson boys fall to Squalicum in Terrace tournament

The Timberwolves drop to 4-4 after a 64-46 loss to Squalicum.

WSU hiring Jackrabbits’ Jimmy Rogers as next head football coach

The South Dakota State coach went 27-3 the past two seasons.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.