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Aussie Adam Scott takes three-shot lead at St. Jude

Australian Adam Scott opened up a three-shot lead over David Toms and Brian Gay of the US after the third round of the US$6 million PGA St. Jude Championship on Saturday.

Scott shot a two-under 68 on Saturday and moved to nine-under 201 at TPC Southwind in Memphis, Tennessee. Toms finished with a four-under 66 to climb into a tie at 204 with Gay, who shot a 70.

Woody Austin finished with a three-under 67 and is alone in fourth 205. Britain's Brian Davis was one shot back at four-under.

"Three shots is nothing, really," Scott said. "That's a couple-hole turnaround out there. There's plenty of trouble to get in on this golf course.

"Three shots is definitely not a big enough lead, as far as I'm concerned," he said.

"But it would be nice to get off to a good start tomorrow and make it hard for them to catch me," he said.

Scott, who has either led or has been tied for the lead after all three rounds, entered Saturday with a one-shot lead after a bogey-free second round.

The Australian, who is the highest-ranked player in the field at No. 4 in the world, had two bogeys on the front nine on Saturday, including one on the ninth hole to give Gay a brief lead.

But Scott responded with birdies at Nos. 13, 15 and 16 to regain the advantage.

It was the third-straight day Scott, who ranks first on tour in birdie average at 4.41 per round, posted four birdies.

The 26-year old, who won the Houston Open in April, has birdied 13 and 16 each day.

Scott said he is excited to be part of a strong contingent of Aussies on the tour.

"We're all pretty close and we've known each other for a long time," Scott said.

"Golf is very available to kids in Australia. It's cheap and probably one reason why there are so many good young players coming out of Australia and the programs to nurture young talent are very good down there," he said.
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