Hoch's caddie ailing

Rita collapses, in critical condition

CARY -- Raleigh native Scott Hoch had more on his mind than golf during the first round of the SAS Championship at Prestonwood Country Club on Friday.

On Thursday, Hoch's caddie Greg Rita collapsed on the course's driving range and was taken to Rex Hospital.

Hoch said Rita was treated for "brain bleeding" and an irregular heartbeat.

When Hoch visited Rita on Thursday, the long-time PGA Tour caddie appeared in good spirits, he said, although he remained in critical condition.

"He was talking yesterday and worrying about his job," Hoch said on Friday. "And saying if he got the MRI done early enough that he would be back out here for the back nine.

"He kept thinking he was going to be out there caddying. He didn't realize how serious it was."

Hoch said Rita's illness entered his mind throughout his round, though it had no bearing on his first-round score of 1-under 71.

He will tee off today at 8:30 a.m. with Jim Thorpe, a native of Roxboro, and Curtis Strange, a resident of Morehead City.

LUCKY GUY: Jerry Pate was one of two players to make an eagle on Friday at the 577-yard, par-5 17th, the longest hole on this 7,177-yard course.

Pate knocked a hybrid 3-iron 210 yards to within 6 feet of the hole and then rolled in his putt for the eagle. He finished the day with a 3-under par 69.

Later, Pate recalled that he had made an eagle at the same hole during a Wednesday Pro-Am round.

So how lucky is he?

"Not two days in a row," Pate said. "None of it's luck, not unless it bounces off a tree or a cart path."

After his round, Pate headed for the practice green near the 18th hole to putt.

"That's where all the money is," he said.

BRIEFLY: Peter Jacobsen withdrew from the tournament because of chronic lower back pain. He was replaced by Ron Streck.