
SAN ANTONIO (AP) -- South Africa's Rory Sabbatini birdied the final hole for a 7-under 63 and a one-stroke lead over Zach Johnson on Saturday in the Valero Texas Open.
Sabbatini, a four-time PGA Tour winner who lives in Southlake outside Dallas, had an eagle and four birdies for a back-nine 29 on the La Cantera Golf Club's Resort Course. Winless since the 2007 Colonial in Fort Worth, he had a 14-under 196 total.
"It's fun to play a course where you actually know where the ball is going. It's been a frustrating year, but this feels good," Sabbatini said.
Johnson, the 2007 Masters champion, shot a bogey-free 62, playing the front nine in 5-under 30. He has three career PGA Tour victories, but has only one top-10 finish this year and entered the week 125th on the money list.
"Some of my best rounds have come with limited confidence," Johnson said. "I didn't have high expectations coming in. But when I've played well, I've putted well and that was the case today."
Tim Wilkinson (63), 1997 winner Tim Herron (67) and second-round leader Chris Stroud (69) were 11 under, and Mark Wilson (66), Joe Ogilvie (67), Michael H. Thompson (67), Jeff Overton (67) and Tim Petrovic (68) followed at 10 under.
Defending champion Justin Leonard, the former University of Texas star seeking a record fourth victory in the event, was 7 under after a 64.
"There's still a lot of golf to be played, but it's going to take another round like this or better to have a chance tomorrow," Leonard said.
Copyright 2008 Associated Press. All rights reserved.
SHANGHAI -- American Phil Mickelson took the 54-hole lead in the WGC-HS
SHANGHAI -- Tiger Woods birdied five of his last 10 holes for another 5
Complete 2010 schedule at bottom
Whistling Straits
Kohler, WI
August 9-15, 2010
2009 | 2010 | 2011
Port Royal Golf Club
Southhampton, Bermuda
October 19-21, 2009
Colorado Golf Club
Denver, CO
May 25-30, 2010
2009 | 2010 | 2011
The Celtic Manor Resort
Newport, Wales
October 1-3, 2010
One of the most important missions for the PGA of America is to promote and grow the game of golf.