NEWS

Crane completes St. Jude Classic third round with 69, three-stroke lead

By Teresa M. Walker
Published on

MEMPHIS, Tenn. -- Ben Crane finished his third round Sunday morning with a 1-under 69 at the rain-delayed St. Jude Classic, giving him a three-stroke lead going into the final round.

Crane had a two-birdie and one-bogey round for a 13-under 197 total. He has a chance to lead wire to wire if he can finish off what would be his first PGA Tour win since 2011 and fifth career win.

Troy Merritt (67) was at 200 with Brian Harman (67) at 201.

Phil Mickelson had a bogey-free round with three birdies on his back nine for a 67 and a 202 total. He hasn't won in 19 events since the British Open as he tunes up for the U.S. Open at Pinehurst.

Wind, thunderstorms, lightning and fog have delayed play each of the first three days. With more storms forecast, players started the fourth round almost immediately after concluding the third.