Watson, Kite are likely out of LV Senior event

Victoria Sun

Wednesday, April 12, 2000 | 10:15 a.m.

For now, Senior PGA Tour rookie Tom Watson or Tom Kite won't be playing in the Las Vegas Senior Classic by TruGreen ChemLawn April 21-23 at the TPC Summerlin.

Neither will crowd favorites Chi Chi Rodriguez, Gary Player or Gary McCord.

As of Tuesday afternoon, those players were among those listed under "probable declines" on the latest tournament commitment list.

"They've got until Friday to commit so we'll see what happens," tournament manager Charlie Baron said.

So far, 28 of the top 31 on the 199 money list, including defending champion Vicente Fernandez, Hale Irwin and Bruce Fleischer, have committed to play.

Exemptions were given to two-time U.S. Open champion Andy North, Jim Ahern, Larry Ziegler and Doug Tewell.

One prominent member of this year's rookie class, Lanny Wadkins, has committed to the field of 78. Wadkins amassed 21 PGA Tour victories since he turned pro in 1971.

Part-time Las Vegas resident and rookie Bob Lendzion also made it to the field by finishing ninth at the Senior PGA Tour's qualifying school in the fall.

"The field is strong," Baron said. "I'm happy with it.

"We've made the calls and the others may still commit."

The $1.4 million tournament will be played solely on the par-72 6,963-yard course at TPC Summerlin this year instead of splitting time at TPC at the Canyons.