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Thursday, September 18, 1997

Three players using open as Ryder Cup warmup

By CHIP BROWN / AP Sports Writer

SAN ANTONIO (AP) -- If it's steamy Spain-like conditions Tom Lehman, Jeff Maggert and Lee Janzen are seeking in preparation for the Ryder Cup, that's what they'll find at the Texas Open.

First-round action gets under way Thursday, with the forecast for the first three rounds calling for near 100-degree temperatures and humidity before a cool front and the chance of showers on Sunday.

Lehman, Maggert and Janzen will leave directly from the Texas Open and cross the Atlantic for the Ryder Cup matches Sept. 26-28 at Valderrama Golf Club in Cadiz, Spain.

"Different players prepare in different ways," said U.S. Ryder Cup captain Tom Kite. "The guys know what they need to do to play their best golf. All I ask is that they not be too tired and be fresh when they get there."

Seeking to defend his Texas Open title and claim the $252,000 winner's check is David Ogrin, who last year finished a stroke ahead of Jay Haas and two ahead of Tiger Woods.

Woods isn't entered this year. But the field includes Loren Roberts, who last week won the CVS Charity Classic at Sutton, Mass., closing with a 7-under 64 for a one-stroke victory over Bill Glasson.

Also entered are former U.S. Open champions Steve Jones, Corey Pavin and Scott Simpson, as well as former PGA champions Mark Brooks, John Daly, Bob Tway and John Mahaffey.

Because of its place near the end of the PGA calendar, the Texas Open has become known as one of the last chances for players to win enough money to climb into the top 125 on the money list and keep their tour cards for another year.

It's also a chance to earn enough to get into the top 30 on the money list and qualify for the Tour Championship at Champions Golf Club in Houston Oct. 30-Nov. 2.

There's plenty of incentive to qualify for the Tour Championship. The winner takes home $720,000. Even last place gets a nice check -- $49,500.

There is less than $3,000 separating the 30th spot, belonging to Phil Blackmar with $591,708 and the 31st spot, belonging to David Duval with $589,458. Both are entered in the Texas Open.

Ogrin is hovering at No. 34 with $572,116.

Texas Open officials say they are pleased with the field considering its proximity to the Ryder Cup and the fact that many players are simply tired and looking for a break at the end of the schedule.

"This is a real good field," Ogrin said. "I'm sure some people were expecting otherwise."