Thorpe leads after record 62

Jim Thorpe liked the feeling of winning so much last week, he thought he'd try it again.

Thorpe shot a tournament-record 10-under par 62 today take a two-shot lead after two rounds at the Senior PGA Tour's Gold Rush Classic.

Thorpe, whose first Senior Tour victory came last week at The Transamerica, birdied seven straight holes at Serrano Country Club. Thorpe's two-day total of 15-under 129 ties the record for lowest two-round total this season.

"It was just a perfect round of golf," said Thorpe, who matched his career-low score round, dating to 1985. "I only had my ball in trouble once today. I got on the birdie trail.''

For the second straight week, Thorpe had caddie Tony Shepherd helping guide him around the hilly course. It could be an omen for Thorpe. Last year, Shepherd caddied for tournament winner David Graham.

"I have a tendency to play fast and Tony helps slow down my game," Thorpe said. "My game is on go right now."

Ed Dougherty, one of five first-round co-leaders, shot a 65 and trails Thorpe by two strokes. Mike McCullough also shot a 66 and is three shots off the lead. Allen Doyle and Stewart Ginn are five shots back.

Thorpe, in his second season on the tour, broke through last week by setting a tournament scoring record. Thorpe moved to seventh on the money list at $1,304,747 with the victory.

On a second straight day of ideal conditions, Thorpe continued playing well in the first round of the Gold Rush, shooting a 67.

He started the second round with a birdie, and added 10 more. His only mistake came on a bogey on the fourth hole.

"This golf course is giving up a lot of birdies right now, I'll just have to keep doing what I'm doing tomorrow,'' Thorpe said. "I need another solid round to win."

Dougherty had three birdies on the front side, and added four more on the backside in his bogey-free round.

Paired with Thorpe in Sunday's final round, Dougherty hopes to continue playing well.

"I take my hat off to Jim Thorpe, a 62 out here is a great round,'' Dougherty said. "I will go out tomorrow and play the best I can. I'm not going to watch Jim. I'll play my own game.''

Lee Trevino had a 5-under 67 and won the Super Seniors event with a two-day total of 135. Also six strokes back at 135 is Gary McCord, who shot a 65, and Gil Morgan, one of the first-round co-leaders.

Larry Nelson, the tour's money leader, shot a second-round 66 and is at 136. Tom Kite matched his opening-round score with another 68. Defending tournament champion David Graham shot a 70, and is at 139.

Doug Tewell, sixth on the money list, dropped out with back problems after shooting a 75.

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