Tim Clark takes lead into final round at Colonial

May 31, 2009

Tim Clark birdied the 18th hole for a 4-under 66 and a two-stroke lead going into the final round of the Crowne Plaza Invitational on Saturday.

Clark moved ahead of playing partner Steve Stricker with a birdie on the 11th hole, then strung together pars until No. 18.

The South African was at 17-under 193 as he chased his first U.S. PGA Tour victory. With $12.7 million in career earnings on the tour, Clark has the dubious distinction of winning the most money without winning an event - 183 so far. Hes finished second six times, including this tournament last year, getting nipped when Phil Mickelson birdied the final hole.

I had a great final round last year. Im going to need that again, Clark said. Im in a different position being in the last group. I just have to stay calm.

Its tough to win out here; everyone knows it, added Clark, 63rd on the tours career money list. Hopefully, I do get that win sometime and it makes things easier. Thats all I can hope for.

Stricker, Steve Marino and Jason Day were at 195. Marino and Day are also seeking their first tour wins.

Marino was the days big mover, shooting a 62 for the best round of the tournament so far. It felt even better since his mother, who grew up in Fort Worth, was in the gallery with a group of her childhood friends. He got them shouting with birdies on Nos. 11-13, all set up by approach shots within 5 feet.

I just felt really in control of everything, he said. It was a great feeling.

Day shot his third straight 65 and has a local tie, too - he moved to Fort Worth last year and plays often at Colonial Country Club.

My mind is in a really good spot right now, he said.

Stricker started the day in the lead after consecutive 63s. He birdied the second hole, then had nothing but pars for a 69.

It was kind of a blah round today, he said. But Ive got a chance tomorrow.

Vijay Singh got off track with consecutive bogeys early in his round. He finished at 69 and was alone at 13 under in his first appearance in the event since pulling out after criticizing the tournament for letting Annika Sorenstam in the field in 03.

Justin Leonard (64) and Woody Austin (67) were 12 under. One more shot behind were Sean OHair (70) and Paul Casey (66), who is playing his first tournament as No. 3 in the world ranking.

Mickelson isnt here after announcing last week that wife Amy is battling breast cancer. In her honor, and to raise awareness about the disease, the tournament went into pink out mode on Saturday. Most players wore pink shirts, as did tournament staffers and many folks in the gallery.

Its pretty special to see, Leonard said. Im not usually a pink-shirt wearer, but it felt good to put it on. I wish it were under different circumstances.