Britton takes third-round lead at Senior PGA National Championship

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. -- Under sunny conditions in South Florida, Bill Britton of Rumson, N.J., catapulted into the lead Saturday with a third round 7-under-par 65 for a 13-under-par 203 total at the 21st Senior PGA Professional National Championship.

He leads Championship alternate Paul Daniels of Port St. Lucie, Fla., by a stroke.

Britton, the PGA Director of Instruction at Trump National Golf Club Colts Neck in New Jersey, followed up back-to-back 69s with a nearly flawless third round that was highlighted by eight birdies.

Bill Britton took command of the Sr. PGA National Championship with a 65 on Saturday. (PGA of America)

"It was beautiful today," said Britton, who owns one PGA Tour victory, the 1989 Centel Classic. "That is the best round of golf I have played all year, by far."

The 54-year-old had only one hiccup, a three-putt bogey on No. 11.

"I really did putt well all day, and made some long ones," said Britton. "I put my approach on No. 18 to a foot, which was a great way to finish."

Brittton, who was the Low Club Professional at the 2007 Senior PGA Championship, is excited about the opportunity to compete for a title against what many consider to be the strongest field in the history of the Championship.

"I always look forward to this tournament every year," said Britton, who is competing in his fourth Senior PGA Professional National Championship. "There are only two weeks out of the year that I travel out of New Jersey, so this is special.

I need to hit the ball solid against this field tomorrow."

The second alternate in the South Florida PGA Section, Daniels didn't know that he had landed a berth in the field until 6:30 p.m. Wednesday evening.

"I am just relaxed and glad that I have this opportunity," said Daniels, a PGA Life Member from Port St. Lucie. "I had never made a cut in a national championship. Today, what can you say? No bogeys and six birdies. The big surprise came at 17."

Daniels was short of the 195-yard, par-3 green and chipped from 30 feet into the hole for birdie. He also made a 25-foot birdie putt at 14.

Daniels had spent 21 years as a PGA Professional at Wahconah Country Club in Dalton, Mass., and now spends much of his time playing on the Treasure Coast and Sun Belt Tours in Florida.

"I have played a lot of golf at PGA Golf Club, so I know the courses pretty well. Today, I was not nervous until I got on the 18th green and was facing a 14-foot birdie putt. I didn't make it, but I was able to get it close. I'm focusing on myself and my game and not getting too ahead of myself."

Perry Arthur of Plano, Texas, carded a third round 67 and is alone in third place at 205.

Defending National Champion Kirk Hanefeld, 53, of Acton, Mass., finished with a 69, to lead a group of six players who are four-strokes behind at 207.

He is attempting to become just the second player to win back-to-back titles in the history of the Championship. Ed Sabo of Tequesta, Fla., accomplished the feat in 2000 and 2001.

The field was trimmed to the low 70 scorers and ties, with 77 players advancing at one-under-par 143 to play the final two weekend rounds at the Wanamaker Course.

The 264-player field features PGA Professionals that are at least 50 years of age, as of the Championship, who have qualified through one of the 41 PGA Sections.

The low 35 finishers will qualify for the 2010 Senior PGA Championship, May 24-30, at Colorado Golf Club near Denver.

The top eight finishers, including ties, will receive exemptions into the 2010 Senior PGA Professional National Championship.

In addition, the top five finishers will be exempt into the Champions Tour National Finals at TPC Scottsdale, provided they have submitted an entry by the entry deadline.