Lonard Leap-Frogs Clarke To Regain The Lead

Peter Lonard proved that he knows how to stick with the competition starting the third round six strokes behind Darren Clarke and shooting a 6-under 66. He overtook Clarke by one stroke and found a measure of redemption after a disappointing 74. Lonard had an impressive six birdies throughout the day with the most memorable a 57 foot putt on the 15th hole. Apparently this putt was the longest ever shot from a blimp (for all you trivia nuts out there).

Lonard said, “I played as solid as I could have dreamed and unfortunately for Darren it didn’t work out his way. I can’t wait to get out tomorrow, I feel like I’ve been playing pretty good for the last month or so and getting no returns. Tee to green was solid, my chipping was great, and I hit a lot of good putts so I can’t ask for anymore. I’ve just got to go in tomorrow and see if I can do the same as what I did today.”

Darren Clarke, who wore fuchsia today, felt his chances are good on Sunday saying, “If you ask most guys at a tournament, they’ll have three days where they play well and one day where they play a little bit not too well. Hopefully, this is my day when I played not too well.” Either Peter Lonard or Darren Clarke could win tomorrow with a solid round.

“Obviously I’m dissapointed with the way I played today,” said Clarke. “I had an opportunity to go out there and stamp my authority on the tournament and unfortunately I didn’t play well enough to do that.” Clarke gave credit to Lonard for making some key birdies.

Rod Pampling is in third place at six-under and said, “Any course that’s playing like this where it’s firm and fast, you can always come from behind.” He is obviously hoping for a performance similar to last years winner, Stewart Cink who came from nine strokes back for the second-greatest comeback in PGA history. Pampling’s great performance at the Masters informed his approach here at Harbor Town as he felt he learned at Augusta not to play too aggressively, to let the game come to him. He was tied for fifth at the conclusion of this year’s Master’s. If the come-from-behind precedent at Harbor Town is true, then Pampling has a shot at it.

One of the tour commentators said, “If you hit the greens you generally hit it pretty close at Harbor Town as they have the smallest greens on the PGA Tour.” Davis Love III, known for his accuracy has had success here, posting an astounding five wins to date at this event. DL3 posted his second 69 in this year’s tournament and sits at five-under, six strokes off the lead. He has the potential of making a run at the lead on Sunday as he is alone in fourth place.

Small, firm greens and the windy conditions could spell disaster for any of the competitors. “You can see that we’re guessing out there,” said Love III speaking of the difficulty of club selection in the windy conditions.

Look for Lonard and Clarke to battle it out tomorrow for the win.

Pos  Player                Tot    R1    R2    R3
1    Peter Lonard          -11    62    74    66
2    Darren Clarke         -10    65    65    73
3    Rod Pampling          -6     70    69    68
4    Davis Love III        -5     69    70    69
T5   Loren Roberts         -4     71    70    68
T5   Jose Maria Olazabal   -4     69    71    69
T5   Stephen Ames          -4     71    69    69
T8   Joey Snyder III       -3     74    67    69
T8   Bart Bryant           -3     72    68    70
T8   Jimmy Walker          -3     68    71    71

The MCI Heritage can be seen on CBS Sunday from 3-6pm ET.

Photo Credit: © Streeter Lecka/Getty Images.