Updated at 12:35 p.m., Saturday, August 25, 2007
McLachlin opens 7-stroke lead in Nationwide tourney
Advertiser Staff and News Services
Honolulu's Parker McLachlin shot a 4-under par 68 today to take a seven-stroke lead after the third round of the Nationwide Tour's National Mining Association Pete Dye Classic at Bridgeport, W.Va.McLachlin, a Punahou alum, is at 17-under 199. Four golfers are at 206. McLachlin entered the third round with a three-stroke lead.
"My motto this week has been pedal to the metal," McLachlin said in a story at the PGA Tour Web site. "I just want to keep making birdies. It has worked for me so far this week."
McLachlin, who will be going after his first Nationwide Tour victory, told the Golf Channel he doesn't remember ever having such a big lead.
"I dont think so, maybe two or three shots, but this is kind of nice, I can go relax have a beer and enjoy the last three rounds," said McLachlin, who added he was happy with his chipping and putting. "I've put in a lot of hard work and the payoff is finally showing."
After opening with a bogey on the par-4 No. 1, he birdied the Nos. 4, 8, 10, 15 and 17.
McLachlin, a 28-year-old PGA Tour rookie, is playing in the Nationwide event at Pete Dye Golf Club after missing out being one of the 144 players who qualified for the PGA's first-ever playoffs.
The Pete Dye Classic winner will take home $108,000.
