Lawrie takes lead in Qatar despite penalty

By Michael Casey

Associated Press

Published: Saturday, Feb. 4 2012 7:55 a.m. MST

Paul Lawrie of Scotland tees off on the sixth hole during the third round of the Qatar Masters tournament at the Doha golf club in Doha on Saturday Feb. 4, 2012.

Osama Faisal, Associated Press

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Summary

Paul Lawrie recovered from a penalty for dropping his ball on a marker to shoot a 5-under 67 Saturday and take a one-shot lead over Nicolas Colsaerts after the second round of the Qatar Masters.

DOHA, Qatar — Paul Lawrie recovered from a penalty for dropping his ball on a marker to shoot a 5-under 67 Saturday and take a one-shot lead over Nicolas Colsaerts after the second round of the Qatar Masters.

Lawrie took advantage of calmer conditions at Doha Golf Course to make six birdies for an 8-under total of 136. The tournament has been disrupted by wind and shortened to 54 holes.

Lawrie birdied the 16th to move into a tie with Colsaerts and then added another on 18 to take the outright lead. Playing in front of Lawrie, Colsaerts also birdied the 18th after a bunker shot that rolled within a foot of the pin to briefly take the lead.

Peter Hanson of Sweden (69) and Ricardo Gonzalez of Argentina (67) are two shots back.

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