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Huston's 3-under 67 overdue

By BOB HARIG

© St. Petersburg Times,
published August 17, 2001

DULUTH, Ga. -- Before the first month of the year concluded, John Huston had earned more than $230,000 on the PGA Tour. Not much has gone right the rest of the year.

A back injury put him out of action for nearly two months, and since a tie for 20th at the Masters, Huston has missed four cuts and finished no better than a tie for 38th.

That's why Thursday's opening-round 67, 3 under par, was a long time coming. It was Huston's best competitive score since the first round of the Masters. It put him three shots behind leader Grant Waite, tied for 11th.

"I think (No. 13) was the first time I made two birdies in a row in I can't remember how long," said Huston, 40, who lives in Clearwater. "The ball just hasn't gone in the hole. I had one good stretch today where it did go in the hole. ... I've been looking for it, waiting for it to come. Hopefully it will carry over. I think it's a pretty good course for me."

RYDER CUP UPDATE: Several U.S. Ryder Cup team hopefuls put themselves in good position during the opening round.

Chris DiMarco, 11th in the standings, shot 68, as did Joe Durant (12th). Brad Faxon, 13th, shot 66 to trail Waite by two, as did David Toms (14th). Bradenton's Paul Azinger (19th) shot 68 and was tied for 23rd.

"I've got it figured that I've got to finish in the top 10," Toms said. "That's the only way ... no experience in that type of format, not much match-play experience whatsoever. But, I do have a good record the last three years, who knows? If I can build on what happened (Thursday), I'll have a chance to make it."

The top 10 in the standings after the PGA make the team that will take on Europe next month. U.S. captain Curtis Strange will announce two at-large selections Monday.

LEHMAN STRUGGLES: Tom Lehman is clinging to the 10th position in the Ryder Cup standings, and didn't help himself with 2-over 72. He was tied for 87th. He also has other things on his mind.

Lehman's wife, Melissa, gave birth to a still-born child on July 24. Doctors induced labor after Lehman returned from the British Open. "And we've been dealing with that ever since," Lehman said.

"Emotionally, I'm kind of running on empty," Lehman said. "Physically, it's the same. The heart and soul are willing because there's a lot riding on this for me. But whether I have the energy to get it done, I don't know."

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