Comfy Couch enjoys rare view atop PGA field but Tiger lurks

0 Comments | AFP, July, 2005

LEMONT, Illinois (AFP) — By this point, Chris Couch would be sitting on the couch watching PGA players, but this week he is making the most of a rare chance to compete against golf's elite by leading the Western Open.

Couch fired a bogey-free 67, four-under par, to stand on nine-under 133 after 36 holes at the five million-dollar event to seize a one-stroke lead over fellow Americans Jim Furyk, Tim Herron and Dufy Waldorf.

World number one Tiger Woods, in his final US appearance before the British Open, fired a second-round 66 but remained six strokes off the pace of Couch, who only got to play here by winning a nearby developmental tour event in June.

"Chicago has been good to me so far this year, to say the least," Couch said. "It was a nice opportunity to...