Herron stretches lead in Bob Hope Classic

Tim Herron, who won the last of his three PGA Tour titles in 1999, opened a four-shot lead after four rounds of the Bob Hope Classic.

Herron began the day tied for the lead with Stephen Ames of Trinidad but had eight birdies in a 12-hole span en route to a seven-under-par 65 at Indian Wells Country Club, La Quinta.

He shot a career-best 61 on Friday at PGA West.

Nicknamed “Lumpy” for his less-than-spectacular physique, Herron has a 72-hole total of 29-under, matching the tournament record set by Joe Durant en route to the 2001 title.

Jay Haas, one of three players in the field to shoot a 61 this week, and Canadian lefthander Mike Weir share second at 25-under, a stroke better than Chris DiMarco and David Gossett.

Ames struggled to a one-under 71 and is alone in sixth at 23-under 265.

Among those missing the cut of 13-under were Rich Beem, David Duval and Charles Howell III.