Jacobsen Leads at the Tradition

Saturday, August 28th 2004, 12:10 pm

By: News On 6

ALOHA, Ore. (AP) _ Peter Jacobsen, the U.S. Senior Open winner earlier this month, shot a 6-under 66 Friday to take a one-stroke lead over Bruce Lietzke after the second round of the Tradition, the Champions Tour's last major of the year. ``For me, to win this tournament on Sunday would be a dream come true,'' said Jacobsen, who was instrumental in relocating the tournament to Oregon last year.

He had a 9-under 135 total on the Reserve Vineyards and Golf Club course. Lietzke shot a 67, and Andy Bean (69), Tom Jenkins (69), D.A. Weibring (69), Jose Maria Canizares (71) and Vicente Fernandez (71) were three strokes back at 6 under.

``All I can do is react to Peter, and I know what he's like to play with on a golf course,'' Lietzke said. ``He's outstanding.''

After the course was soaked Thursday by frequent downpours, conditions were mostly sunny and dry Friday. Weather was still a factor though, as most players teed off about an hour late while greenskeepers did their best to improve the soggy course. It was nearly 8 p.m. when the final group came off the course.

Fernandez said he nearly pulled out because of pain that started in his neck on the first day spread down his back. He had treatment both days.

Jacobsen won the PGA Tour's Greater Hartford Open last year at 49, but chose not to defend his title in the newly named Buick Championship this year so he could compete in the Tradition, which he lobbied for after 14 years in Arizona.

Jacobsen is a Portland native and went to the University of Oregon. Peter Jacobsen Productions, the player's sports management firm, runs the tournament sponsored by Oregon window and door maker Jeld-Wen.

``It's so fun for me to be able to do this,'' he said.

In his first season of eligibility on the Champions Tour, Jacobsen has been slowed by a hip injury that required surgery. He withdrew from two tournaments before his dramatic win in the U.S. Senior Open, when rain forced a 36-hole Sunday finale.

On Friday there was no sign of any lingering pain. Jacobsen easily sank a 5-foot putt on the 18th hole to the cheers of the crowd.

``I promised everybody a great tournament and I want to make good on it,'' he said.