Jay Haas shot a nine-under-par 63 to reclaim the lead after the fourth round of the four million-dollar Bob Hope Classic last night.
Haas earlier carded an identical 63 on the opening round of the 90-hole PGA Tour marathon to share the lead on that day with Brandel Chamblee. Yesterday's round gave Haas sole possession of the lead and a one-stroke margin over Kenny Perry and Cameron Beckman.
The 48-year-old Haas holed out from 154 yards for an eagle at the first hole and added eight birdies around a late bogey at Indian Wells Country Club to reach 26-under 262.
"I still have goals," Haas said. "I still think I can win out here."
The event remains wide open as 16 players are within five strokes of Haas. Among them are Kirk Triplett, South African rookie Deane Pappas, Chamblee and David Berganio Jr. at 24-under 264.
Perry may be just hitting his prime. He blitzed the host PGA West course, matching the lowest round of his career with a 62 while extending his bogey-free stretch to 54 holes.
"If I play great, that's a bonus," said Perry, who was third at the season-opening Mercedes Championship. "If I don't, I'm not too worried about it. I'm going to enjoy my last few years."
Beckman remained the only player in the event with four sub-68 rounds, signing for a 65 at Indian Wells. He is seeking his second title in 88 starts, having closed his 2001 season with a win at the Southern Farm Bureau Classic.
"I don't think I've ever been 25 (under) after four rounds," he said. Veteran Duffy Waldorf and tour rookie John Senden of Australia are tied for eighth at 265, a stroke better than world number two Phil Mickelson and Jerry Kelly.
This birdie-friendly tournament, which is hosted by 98-year-old US comedian Bob Hope, is a pro-am featuring many big names from the world of film, music and sports.
The most entertaining celebrity yesterday was professional wrestler Goldberg, who threw a caddie into the water after finishing his round at PGA West.
AFP