Pernice takes a one-shot lead at AT&T National

Enlarge Photo Tom Pernice plays his shot from the 2nd tee during Round 3 of the AT&T...

Sun, Jul 6 11:01 AM

By Steve Ginsburg

BETHESDA, Maryland (Reuters) - American Tom Pernice held off a late charge by compatriot Steve Stricker to secure a one-shot lead after the third round of the AT&T National at Congressional Country Club on Saturday.

The 48-year-old Pernice, bidding for his third career title, fired a one-under-par 69 to go 10-under after three rounds on a hot and humid day in suburban Washington, D.C.

"I really hit the ball pretty good, gave myself a lot of chances and I think going forward tomorrow, that's what I need to do," Pernice told reporters.

"I need to hole some putts and get some momentum going and go from there."

Pernice shot a seven-under 63 during the second round but while he played solidly on Saturday, much of the magic was missing. He had only two birdies and one bogey.

"The last 12 or 13 holes, I hit the ball really nice and gave myself a lot of opportunities, but just didn't hole any of the putts," he said. "My speed was a little bit off, which caused me to miss some. But all in all, I'm very happy."

Pernice jockeyed for the lead with Stricker before the soft-spoken Californian birdied the 437-yard par-four 17th to take a one-stroke lead heading into Sunday's final round.

The 41-year-old Stricker moved into a good position to challenge for victory with a sizzling four-under 66 on the challenging 7,255-yard course, site of the 2011 U.S. Open.

STRICKER LURKS

Stricker had six birdies and two bogeys to put himself in contention for his fifth title and held a share of the lead until shooting a seven-iron over the green on 17 for a bogey.

"I didn't get into a whole lot of trouble," said Stricker, runner up here a year ago. "I played the tough holes well again today, which I think is a key around here.

"I just wanted to give myself an opportunity for tomorrow, which I did."

Just behind Stricker on the leaderboard are Americans Tommy Armour III, Jeff Overton and Australian Nick O'Hern, all at eight-under.

Holder K.J. Choi shot a one-over 71 for the day and was at even-par for the tournament, while U.S. Open runner-up Rocco Mediate carded a 67 but was eight shots off the pace.

The tournament is hosted by Tiger Woods but the world number one is taking the remainder of the season off to recuperate from knee surgery he underwent after winning the U.S. Open in a playoff last month.

Without the world's best player, attendance at the tournament dipped Saturday more than 15,000 from a year ago to 22,311.

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