THOUSAND OAKS, California — Nick Watney, trying to keep the momentum of his recent Malaysian victory going into 2013, seized a two-shot lead Thursday in the World Challenge invitational hosted by Tiger Woods. Watney, who finished last in the field of 18 in this unofficial event last season, had five birdies in his bogey-free, five-under 67 at Sherwood Country Club and was two strokes in front of Keegan Bradley, Graeme McDowell and Jim Furyk. Bradley hit 17 of 18 greens in regulation, his only miscue of the day a bogey at 18. The American, whose 2011 PGA Championship triumph made him the first player to win one of golf's major titles using a long putter anchored on his midriff, admitted he was fired up by the reaction to the announcement Wednesday by global governing bodies the Royal & Ancient and the US Golf Association that they proposed to ban the technique in 2016. “I've been catching such flak on Twitter and these other places, it would be good to kind of quiet them a little bit,” Bradley said. He was pleased to have a chance to show there was more to his game than the long putter. Bradley said he felt the timing by the R&A and USGA, with no actual rule change anticipated until 2016, put him and others who “anchor” putters to their bodies when they putt in a difficult position since for now it remains legal. Watney was sympathetic. He feels “anchoring” provides some advantage, although he stressed that “I don't think they're cheating by any means”. His concern is to build on the gains he made late in 2012 after a slow start to the season. Although the atmosphere at this unofficial event is more laid back, Watney said, “winning never gets old”. “Me personally, I'm trying to use it to prepare for next season.” Woods, who hosts the event for the benefit of his charitable foundation, was tied for fifth on 70, alongside Van Pelt and US Open champion Webb Simpson. Woods won here last year to end a two-year global victory drought, then won three US PGA Tour titles in 2012. However, the tournament host admitted he'd need to hit it better as the week progressed. — Agencies
