The 52-year-old Cook, a four-time winner on the Champions Tour after winning 11 times on the U.S. PGA Tour, eagled the par-5 seventh hole and had four birdies in his bogey-free round at Fontainebleu Golf Club. Cochran followed his opening 65 with a 68.
``If we get wind, it'll be a tough test, if we don't, it will be a shootout,'' Cook said. ``'I might be leading, but (Sunday) is the telling day. I won't worry about anything until the back nine. I only missed two greens this week. I'm hitting really quality shots and if I keep doing that, I'll give myself a chance.''
Fred Couples (66) was three strokes back at 9 under along with Corey Pavin (67), Craig Stadler (65), D.A. Weibring (63), David Frost (68), Larry Mize (68), Peter Senior (68) and James Mason (69). Weibring broke the course record.
``Whoever has the hottest rounds usually wins, but in this case there will be a few hot rounds,'' Couples said. ``I may have to shoot 6 under or 7 under again, maybe more.''
Tom Wargo, the 67-year-old player who shot a 65 on Friday to match Cochran atop the leaderboard, was 8 under after a 71. Mark Calcavecchia (66), Loren Roberts (66), Tom Lehman (68), Jay Haas (70) David Peoples (68) and Jay Don Blake (70) also were 8 under.
An estimated 20,000 fans turned out Saturday, with the biggest gallery following Couples, a three-time winner this year in his first season on the 50-and-over tour.
``This is a phenomenal event, as good or better than any of our big tournaments,'' said Couples, who eagled the 515-yard, par-5 seventh for the second straight day. ``It's fun to play in front of a lot of people.''
