Palmer retires after missing cut

On the day Arnold Palmer bowed out of his final major championship, Tom Watson took a big step toward winning yet another.

Watson, chasing his second senior major in as many weeks, shot a 6-under 65 on Friday and was tied with Craig Stadler and Loren Roberts for the second-round lead in the U.S. Senior Open in Kettering, Ohio.

The leaders were upstaged by Palmer's post-round declaration that he would no longer play in any major championships. In his 50 years of Grand Slam competition, Palmer won seven majors and added five as a senior.

"My tournaments are getting down to a very few," Palmer said after completing an 81 that left him at 166, missing the cut by 11 strokes. "As far as trying to compete in major championships such as the Open and other tournaments, this is it. I'm through doing it. I'm not going to do it anymore."

Tears glistened in his eyes as he waved, doffed his visor and even bowed to the huge gallery which gave him a standing ovation as he finished his round.

Women's British Open

Jeong Jang took a four-stroke lead into the weekend at the Women's British Open after a second-round 66 on Friday, while Annika Sorenstam and Michelle Wie fell eight shots back.

Jang, 25, is seeking her first LPGA Tour victory in six years as a pro. He total of 10-under 134 is a Women's British Open 36-hole record since the event became a major five years ago.

Defending champion Karen Stupples, Dalhousie Golf Club's touring pro, shot a 71 Friday and was 1 over for the tournament.

PGA Tour

Tiger Woods shot an 11-under 61 Friday in the second round of the Buick Open, matching the best score of his career and the tournament record. He had consecutive eagles for the first time in a PGA Tour event in an eagle-eagle-birdie-birdie stretch.

"That's the best golfer in the world playing at his best," said Fred Funk.

Woods went into the weekend at 12-under 132, one shot behind defending champion Vijay Singh (66). The top two players in the world rankings will be paired in the final group today.

-- The Associated Press