American Bill Haas fired a three-under par 69 on Saturday and grabbed a four-stroke lead after the third round of the Viking Classic in Madison County, Mississippi.
Haas, who was in a six-way tie for the lead after the first round and a two-way tie for the halfway lead, broke away from the field to lead at 15 under par.
Compatriot Michael Allen, still chasing his maiden win on the PGA Tour 26 years after he turned professional, was among a group of four players tied for second after shooting a 70.
Photo: AFP
His playing partner, Australian Nathan Green, also carded a 70, while Zimbabwe’s Brendon de Jonge, who held the overnight lead with Haas, made an eagle at the par-five 18th hole in a round of 73 to be in a four-man group at 11-under.
“I was a little bit out of the round, but obviously to make three was a big bonus,” de Jonge said. “It was a tough start to the day, and it feels good to have a safe finish with a three.”
American Jason Bohn was in fifth place, a further shot back at 10-under, after a 67, while four players were at nine under.
Haas, who steered clear of a bogey in his first two rounds, had three bogeys, a double-bogey and eight birdies on Saturday to keep himself in front and on course to win his maiden PGA Tour event.
The 51-year-old Allen has four titles in his professional career, including the 1989 Scottish Open and last year’s Senior PGA Championship, but has never won on the PGA Tour in more than 350 tournament appearances.
He has two second-place finishes and three thirds, but said he has not given up hope of a win.
“That’s what we’re out here for,” Allen said. “It’s going to be a fun day tomorrow. That’s why we play, to have fun out here.
“Anything can happen out here. Make two or three birdies early, kind of get things going, maybe I can put some pressure on him and have a chance to get back in there tomorrow,” Allen added.
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