BROWNE SCORES OFF CALLAWAY.

Byline: Larry Morgan Staff Writer

BERMUDA DUNES - Much of this week's buzz at the Bob Hope Classic is not necessarily who is shooting low numbers, but what ball they're using.

In Olin Browne's case, he's using something that isn't even on the market.

Browne, a former Occidental College player who is two shots off the lead after a 5-under 67 at Bermuda Dunes on Thursday, is hitting Callaway's new ultra-secret golf ball, which does not have a name yet and is scheduled to be officially unveiled at the annual PGA merchandise show in Orlando, Fla., early next month.

Golf World reported the new ball will be sold in packs of five, 10 and 20 balls, with the latter going for a suggested retail price of $72. Browne said there will be two models, high spin and low spin.

``I tested them both,'' Browne said, ``and it felt like the higher-spin ball was more appropriate for my game. . . .''

--Martin plays with naysayer: One of the week's more interesting pairings happened Thursday when Casey Martin's group of amateurs included none other than Richard Ferris, the chairman of the PGA Tour Policy Board.

Ferris was among those testifying last year against Martin, who got a court injunction that allowed him to ride a cart on tour.

Martin and Ferris said there were no problems Thursday and appeared cordial.

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Second-round scores