World No.299 sets pace
AMERICANN Jay Williamson, ranked 299th in the world, shot a three-under 67 to take a one-shot, third-round lead in the US PGA Travelers Championship today (AEST). Williamson, who went into the round tied for the lead with David Toms at eight-under, is at 11-under 199. He leads Hunter Mahan, who is alone in second place after signing for a 67.
Australia’s Nick O’Hern and Pat Perez are tied at seven-under 203, after each signed for four-under 66s.
Williamson, 39, started with birdies at the 2nd and 3rd before falling back to the pack with bogeys on his next two holes.
A member of the Nationwide Tour, Williamson regained the lead with a birdie at 7, and added two more at 13 and 15.
Mahan, who shot a sizzling, opening-round 62, carded four bogeys and a birdie and will be in the final grouping with Williamson tomorrow (AEST).
Toms, who finished tied for fifth at the US Open last week, surged into the lead after three consecutive birdies from 12-14, but he stumbled with consecutive bogeys at 16 and 17 and shot a 69 for sole possession of third place at 201.
Fred Funk shook off a sloppy start and shot a 67 to climb into fourth place, three shots off the lead.
The 51-year-old bogeyed three over the first six holes, but rallied with five birdies, including three in a row from 13-15 to move to eight-under 202.
Defending champion J.J. Henry shot a 69 and is at even-par 210.
Agence France-Presse