Irwin vaults into lead with 64

Hale Irwin shot a 7-under-par 64, including what he called a ``miracle par'' on the seventh, to take a three-stroke lead Saturday in the Toshiba Senior Classic.

Irwin, who won the ACE Group Classic last month in Florida for his record 33rd senior title, had an 11-under 131 total.

``A good start yesterday helped my momentum,'' Irwin said. ``If we could continue playing today I feel the momentum would continue.''

The three-time U.S. Open champion made eight birdies and a single bogey but credited a par-saving putt on the seventh with his good round.

``The seventh hole turned things around,'' said Irwin, using a new set of irons this week. ``I made a miracle par. My tee shot was in the rough, my second shot was in the rough but I hit my new sand wedge within 3 feet and made the putt to save par.''

Irwin, the 1998 winner, has won 17 of the 22 events in which he has taken at least a share of the lead into the final round.

``I'm trying to keep my game simple,'' Irwin said. ``It's always fun to play in the last group and be in contention. Part of the challenge is to keep challenging yourself.''

Larry Nelson matched Irwin's 64 for a three-way tie for second with Gil Morgan (66) and first-round leader Allen Doyle (68).

``I haven't played very well this year,'' said Nelson, a five-time winner last season. ``I didn't putt that well today, but I didn't have to. It was a good ball-striking day.''

Dan Pooley, four strokes back at 135, had the best shot of the day, holing a 50-yard eagle chip on the 15th hole. He had the eagle, six birdies and two bogeys in a 65.

Thirty-two players have broken par over the par-71 Newport Beach Country Club course, but Tom Watson's string of 12 straight rounds at par-or-better ended Saturday with a 1-over 72. It was his first round over par this year. He was nine strokes back at 140.

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