Dana Quigley leads after rain delay

Dana Quigley tied a Champions Tour record with eight consecutive birdies in a 7-under-par 65, and held the lead Friday in the rain-delayed Bruno's Memorial Classic.

Shortly after Quigley completed his round, thunderstorms moved into the area, ending play for the day at Greystone Golf Club's par-72, 7,092-yard Founder's Course. The first round will resume Saturday morning when 42 of the 78 players will finish their rounds. Second-round play will follow.

Quigley's string of birdies matched the tour record set by Chi Chi Rodriguez at the 1987 Silver Pages Classic and matched by Jim Colbert five years ago at the TD Waterhouse.

Quigley had the opportunity to birdie every hole on the back nine and break the record on the par-5 18th hole, but three-putted for bogey, missing an 18-footer for birdie plus the 3-foot comeback putt for par.

``I'm not at all disappointed,'' said Quigley, better known for his record streak of playing in 272 consecutive events for which he is eligible. ``I tried to make birdie but it was just a terrible read on the first putt. I thought it was going to break right and I put it out there and it actually broke left.

``That's OK, though. I made four 2s today, and I promise you if you do that your score will be low.''

Tom Wargo is one stroke back, and Curtis Strange and Mark Johnson are two behind. Bruce Fleisher, trying to become the first player to defend his title in the 14-year history of the tournament, opened with a 68.

As for players who didn't complete their rounds, Ray Floyd is 5 under through 17 holes, and D.A. Weibring and Tom Jenkins are 5 under after 16.

Quigley rolled in a 4-foot par putt on the ninth hole and credited that with helping turn his day around.

``I hit a good shot on No. 10 and flip-flopped from that ... thinking, 'Let's go get them,' `` Quigley said. ``I got it turned around and the rest just kept snowballing.''

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