Senden surges to lead

A flawless round put John Senden 18 holes away from his first PGA Tour victory and a trip to the Open.

Senden fired a bogey-free seven-under-par 64 and had a three-shot lead after three rounds of the John Deere Classic.

An Australian with three international victories to his credit, Senden fired seven birdies – two on his last four holes – to get to a 16-under 197.

“Today I put it all together, from good ball-striking and solid putting,” Senden said. “That’s what I’ve been doing a lot, and I’m looking forward to being solid again and really trying to be strong and hold on.”

Heath Slocum and Patrick Sheehan are Senden’s closest pursuers, each signing for a five-under 66. They are at 13-under 200 through 54 holes at the TPC Deere Run.

Slocum also had a bogey-free round that featured five birdies. He is looking to win for the third consecutive season and would join exclusive company if he did so – only Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, Vijay Singh, Stuart Appleby and David Toms have won in each of the last three years.

“Right now I am looking for the record, an opportunity to win for the third year in a row,” Slocum said. “It feels good to finally over the last few years really put myself in contention a little more often, maybe have those chances. You don’t get them that often.”

Second-round leader Joe Ogilvie shot a 69 and is in a group of five at 12-under 201.

The day started with seven players in the top 10 looking for their first career win and it would be a great week to get it. The top finisher here who is not otherwise exempt will gain a spot in next week’s Open at Hoylake.

Senden started his claim for a spot at Royal Liverpool with birdies on his first two holes. He added one more on the front nine and had four more coming in, including a closing birdie at 18.

Alex Cejka (64), Steve Jones (66), JP Hayes (66) and Daniel Chopra (68) are tied with Ogilvie at 12-under 201. Defending champion Sean O’Hair is tied for 38th at seven-under after a 68.