The Byron Nelson Classic could turn into a final-round Texas shootout, with Dallas natives Scott Verplank and Justin Leonard posting bogey-free rounds yesterday to finish one shot apart after 54 holes.
Verplank entered the day tied for the lead with David Duval and carded a two-under-par 68 at the TPC at Las Colinas to maintain a share of the top spot on the leaderboard at 13-under 197.
"It's a positive that I'm still tied for the lead because I definitely didn't play my best, so that leaves me with some room for improvement," Verplank said.
Robert Damron, seeking his first PGA Tour win, birdied six holes on the back nine en route to a 67 to tie Verplank for the third-round lead.
Leonard, a former All-America at the University of Texas, posted the low round of the day with a course record-tying 61. He was tied for third at 12-under 198 with Fiji native Vijay Singh, who posted a 67.
Former champion Tiger Woods, competing in his first event since capturing The Masters, remained within striking distance after posting a 69, his third straight round in the 60s. He was tied with 11 others, including Spaniard Sergio Garcia, at seven-under 203.
Defending champion Jesper Parnevik of Sweden was one of seven golfers on eight-under 202.
AFP