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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Golf : PGA leader Watney isn’t complacent

Associated Press The Spokesman-Review

Yet another potential first-time PGA Tour winner topped the third-round leaderboard in the Zurich Classic in Avondale, La.

Third-year tour player Nick Watney shot a 4-under 68 on Saturday to reach 12 under and take a two-shot lead over another player who has been seeking a maiden tour triumph for more than a decade, 38-year-old Ken Duke.

Duke shot a 66, the best round of the day in the tournament that has had first-time winners in four of the last five years.

Watney has never entered the final round with the lead.

“I won’t be trying to protect anything,” Watney asserted. “I know that the guys are going to come charging. … This is the PGA Tour, so it’s definitely not going to be easy.”

Mark Calcavecchia, who began the day with a one-shot lead, finished with an even-par 72, leaving him tied for third with Scott Gutschewski (67) at 9 under. Gutschewski also is winless on the tour.

Rookie Kyle Reifers (71) was alone in fifth at 8 under. He shot a course-record 64 on Thursday and had a 73 on Friday.

Calcavecchia, who won an event last month, is one of few familiar names atop the leaderboard. His only major hiccup in the third round was a double bogey on the fourth hole. He also had a bogey on the 16th. Calcavecchia, who could be seen stretching repeatedly during the last two holes, said he tweaked something in his back when he threw his hat on the 16th hole.

Haas leads Legends

Defending champion Jay Haas shot a 3-under-par 69, giving him a one-stroke lead over Brad Bryant, Wayne Levi and Mark James entering the final round of the Liberty Mutual Legends of Golf at Savannah, Ga.

Haas, seeking his second victory of the season, was at 7-under 137 after two rounds at The Club at Savannah Harbor. Bryant, who also shot 69, said the 7,087-yard island layout perfectly suits Haas.

“Well, I’d be saying the same thing about Brad if I was one behind him,” Haas said with a laugh. “This is not his first rodeo, by any means.”