Golf: Stricker roars back, ties for lead at BMW

The roar that shook Cog Hill on Saturday could only mean one thing – an eagle from the fairway – and it was loud enough that it could only belong to one player.

Even Tiger Woods turned around.

Steve Stricker holed out with a wedge for eagle on the eighth hole to keep pace with Woods, then he surged ahead with birdie chances on every hole in a round of 7-under-par 64 that tied him with Aaron Baddeley in the BMW Championship at Lemont, Ill.

Baddeley birdied his final two holes for a 65 that allowed him to join Stricker at 15-under 198 and play in the final group.

The third round of these PGA Tour Playoffs looks much like the first two events – terrific golf by the top players, setting the stage for what could be more great theater in the final round.

Stricker, who won the first playoff event at The Barclays for his first victory in 6- 1/2 years, might be the hottest player in golf and is wildly popular in these parts, having played golf at Illinois and grown up nearby in Wisconsin. A victory would give him a commanding lead in the chase for the FedEx Cup, with Woods or the absent Phil Mickelson having to win the Tour Championship to catch him.

Baddeley, who won in Phoenix earlier this year, was a forgotten figure on the back nine even though he was always in range. Then came a 30-foot birdie putt on the 17th hole, followed by an approach into 5 feet at the last to get into the final group.

Woods never looked more subdued after a 65, but he missed only one fairway and two greens, and figured his putter kept him from one of his best scores of the year.

“I felt like 6 under was the highest score I could have shot,” Woods said. “But I’m in a good spot going into tomorrow.”

LPGA

Stacy Lewis finished her first round with a flourish, making a 12-foot birdie putt to become the clubhouse leader.

That putt might also give Lewis an unlikely victory.

The LPGA Tour shortened the rain-soaked NW Arkansas Championship in Rogers to 18 holes, setting up a bizarre finish today that will be closed to the public. The tournament, originally scheduled for 54 holes, began 4- 1/2 hours late Friday and was suspended again around 11 a.m. Saturday.

All but 32 players had completed the first round when the second delay began – and the remaining golfers were expected back this morning to finish. Stats and money from the event will be unofficial.

Money isn’t much of a concern to Lewis, who is competing as an amateur. The NCAA champion was atop the leaderboard after a 7-under 65, which she finished the day just a few minutes before a heavy downpour sent people scurrying for cover. Lewis was trying to become the first amateur to win an LPGA Tour event since JoAnne Carner in 1969.

Jin Young Pak appeared to be the only player with a decent chance to catch Lewis. She was at 5 under with four holes left.

In Friday’s play, Tracy Hanson (Rathdrum) shot an even-par 72 and Wendy Ward (Edwall, Wash.) finished with a 4-over 76.