Price has 1-shot lead in Principal Charity Classic

May 31, 2009

Nick Price shot a 4-under 67 to take a one-stroke lead into the final round of the Principal Charity Classic for the second straight year on Saturday.

After finally winning on the Champions Tour in April at the Outback Steakhouse Pro-Am, the three-time major champion liked his chances to wrap up the title that eluded him last year when he faded to a third-place finish at Glen Oaks.

This years a little different. Im obviously a little more comfortable, having had the win under my belt, Price said. But its going to be a shootout tomorrow. This field is so bunched up.

Price had a 7-under 135 total. Joey Sindelar (67) and Mark Wiebe (68) were 6 under, and Fred Funk (69) and Mark McNulty (69) were 5 under. Mike Reid had a 66, the best round of the day, to top a six-player group at 4 under.

Two-time defending champion Jay Haas was 3 under after a 67.

Price overcame two early bogeys with an eagle on No. 9, then nearly made a hole-in-one on the par-3 14th.

Sindelar and Wiebe both three-putted 18 to miss a chance to tie Price.

Wiebe, who has just one top-10 finish this season, is shooting for his first title since the Cap Cana Championship in April 2008.

I like the way Im swinging, for sure, and my attitude is pretty good, Wiebe said. Obviously the last hole is frustrating, to end that way, but Ive played good. I like the way Im playing, I like being in the hunt.

Three players entered the second round with a share of the lead for the first time in the tournaments nine-year history. They all shot over par on Saturday to fall back into the pack.

Lonnie Nielsen had double bogeys on the par-4 10th and par-3 14th and finished with a 72. Nielsen, who also held a share of lead after last years first round before faltering, was tied for 12th at 3 under.

Bruce Vaughans day disintegrated after an opening birdie. Vaughan went through a span with four bogeys in eight holes - all on par 4s. He had a 74 to drop into a tie for 23rd at 1 under. Tour newcomer Olin Browne bogeyed his final two holes for a 73, leaving him five strokes behind Price at 2 under

Andy Bean, who finished second last year, withdrew after five holes because of a left foot injury. Bean, who opened with a 68, had three straight bogeys before pulling out.

Perhaps the biggest factor for the final round could be the wind, which is often a major issue at Glen Oaks. Its expected to change directions from northwest to southeast on Sunday, with gusts of up to 25 mph.

Itll probably throw everyone a curveball, Wiebe said. Youve got to be on your toes.