LARRY RINKER, who has no official victories despite playing on the US PGA Tour since 1981, fired a 63 yesterday to become the unlikely leader of the Bob Hope Classic. Rinker had a one shot lead over former British Open champion Mark Calcavecchia, reigning US Open champion Steve Jones and Tommy Tolles in the 90 hole event being played on four courses here.

Jay Don Blake, Paul Goydos and John Daly were a further shot back on 65, followed by a group of eight golfers on 66 that included Rinker's younger brother Lee. That bunch also included Sweden's Jesper Parnevik, left hander Russ Cochran, Fred Funk, John Cook, Scott Gump, Len Mattiace and Hugh Royer.

Tiger Woods and Tom Lehman are skipping the event. Woods won a play off from Lehman, the 1996 PGA Player of the Year, at last weekend's Mercedes Championships.

. Arnold Palmer last night, underwent surgery for prostate cancer at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. The 67 year old golfing legend - winner of the US Masters on four occasions, the British Open twice and the US Open - was reported to be doing "well" and is expected to be out of intensive care in two or three days time.