Tom Pernice Jr. rose to the top of the leaderboard after todays third round of the Buick Open on a five hole stretch that included an eagle and four birdies.  His 66 left him a single shot in front of Jesper Parnevik,  Scott Verplank, and Brian Bateman.  Five others were another shot back including Jim Furyk, Kenny Perry, and Woody Austin. 

Parnevik had the best round of the day with an 8 under 64 in his first ever Buick Open.  The Swede usual returns to Europe after the US Open until the PGA Championship. "I decided to stay this year, which I’m very happy about," he said.  I’m sure that is one of the understatements of the year.  He’ll be playing in an Open qualifier at Oakland Hills in Michigan this Monday.  Another good round tomorrow will not only thicken his wallet but undoubtably enhance his confidence going into that qualifier.

Mr. Pernice won the first of his two PGA titles here 8 years ago,  starting the final day five shots behind Tom Lehman and defeating he and two others by two strokes. "I didn’t really necessarily have many thoughts about winning when I teed off that day," Pernice said. "Really, Tom Lehman let us all back into the game."  The winner has come from the final group here since 1999 and the last six years the third round leader has become the champion.  Mr Pernice certainly hopes both trends continue.  Mr Parnevik, who will join him in the final pairing, hopes only half that trend holds. 

Brett Quigley, one of the leaders after the second round, changed caddies for Saturday’s round and struggled to a 75 falling into a tie for 32nd place.  "It was just time," Quigley said of his mid-tournament decision. Another second round leader, Jim Furyk bogeyed twice on the front nine, pulling a 4 foot putt and lipping out from 9 feet.  He then bogeyed the 18th hole to finish with a 71 extending his streak of sub par rounds to 36 at the Warrick Hills location.  "It was a terrible round, 1 under isn’t getting the job done here," Furyk said. "I’m very fortunate to only be two back."  A statement with which I heartily agree.  It’ll take a 37th round under par, and in the 60’s to challenge for this title. 

With 13 players within three shots of the lead, entertainment should not be at a premium tomorrow.  I’m hoping we’ll be treated to early fireworks on the first day of July.