Martin moves into 21st place at Q-School

Sunday, December 8th 2002, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

LA QUINTA, Calif. (AP) _ Casey Martin moved into position for another chance on the PGA Tour, shooting a 5-under 67 on Sunday to climb 16 spots into a tie for 21st place going into the sixth and final round of the PGA Tour Qualifying Tournament.

Martin, who has a circulatory disease in his right leg, successfully sued the PGA Tour in 1998 for the right to ride a cart under the Americans with Disabilities Act. The ruling was upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court last year.

Martin was in 72nd place two days ago, but rounds of 69-67 left him in good position with one round to play. The top 35 players and ties after Monday earn their cards for the 2003 season.

``There is still a lot of golf to play,'' Martin said. ``Hopefully I'll just hit some good shots and keep myself calm tomorrow.''

Martin earned his PGA Tour for 2000 by finishing in the top 15 on the money list of what was then the Nike Tour. His best finish was a tie for 17th in the Tucson Open, and he made the cut in only 14 of his 29 tournaments.

If Martin doesn't earn his card Monday, the next 50 _ or the number nearest to 50 with ties _ can play the Nationwide Tour. The remaining players will have conditional status on the developmental tour.

Jeff Brehaut shot a bogey-free 9-under 63 and shared the lead with Brian Bateman (66) at 17-under 343.

Brehaut had the best round of the day at the PGA West's Jack Nicklaus Tournament Course, which along with the TPC Stadium Course, is hosting the six-round tournament.

``That was probably my two best rounds of the year right there,'' Brehaut said. ``I got off to a good start and then my putter was just smoking hot on the back side. I made everything and that is why I shot 63.''

Brehaut will play his final round at the tougher Stadium Course.

``Out there (Stadium Course) you have to pick and choose your chances,'' Brehaut said. ``Having a little cushion will make it a little easier. Every one that I was out there getting today was like one more I wouldn't have to worry about tomorrow.''

Bateman fired his fourth consecutive round in the 60s after opening with a 2-over 74.

``My whole game plan all week has been to try and keep it in play and hit a lot of fairways and greens,'' Bateman said. ``I made a few putts today and that always helps at Q-School.''

Bateman's biggest putt was a 12-footer for par on the final hole to remain tied with Brehaut.

``It's a lot of fairways and greens tomorrow,'' Bateman said. ``That golf course over there I didn't play very bad the first day, but I ended up making two bad swings and I shot 2-over. You've got to be careful over there that's for sure.''

Alex Cejka (64) and John Morgan (71) are one stroke behind the leaders at 16 under. Chris Anderson shot a 69 and was two strokes back.

Others players in contention for a top-35 finish include Brett Quigley (T25), Greg Kraft (T31), Ted Purdy (T31), Dave Stockton, Jr. (T31), Andy Miller (T31), Woody Austin (T41), Mark Hensby (T41), Brandel Chamblee (T41), Steve Pate (T48), Bob Friend (T54), Ken Green (T64), Russ Cochran (T64) and Bob May (T64).