Charles gains share of lead

Bob Charles, who has not won in eight years, put himself in position to make golf history.

Bidding to become the oldest winner of a Champions Tour event, the 68-year-old Charles carded a two-under-par 70 at The Hills Country Club to gain a share of the lead after the second round of the Kinko’s Classic.

Charles, whose last win came at the 1996 Maui Kaanapali Classic, completed 36 holes at five-under 139, tying him with Wayne Levi, 52, and Mark McNulty, 50.

The oldest player to win a Champions Tour event is Mike Fetchick, who captured the 1985 Hilton Head Senior Invitational at age 63.

First-round leader Raymond Floyd, Morris Hatalsky and Japan’s Isao Aoki are tied for fourth at 140, one shot ahead of four players, including Tom Watson and Craig Stadler.

Watson, playing consecutive Champions Tour events for the first time this year, held a one-shot lead through 15 holes but double-bogeyed the 16th hole and bogeyed number 17 for a 73.

Floyd, who began the day tied with Scotland’s Sam Torrance at five-under, also signed for a 73. Torrance dropped to a tie for 14th after a 75.

Defending champion Hale Irwin posted a 71 after opening with a 75 and is tied for 37th, seven shots behind the co-leaders.