Stricker storms into Bob Hope lead

Steve Stricker fired a 10-under-par round of 62 to overhaul Pat Perez for the lead after four rounds of the Bob Hope Classic yesterday.

Sticker followed up Friday‘s dazzling 61 with 10 more birdies to turn a two-stroke deficit to Perez into a three-shot advantage over his fellow American and lead the field on 33 under par.

Over the past two rounds, Stricker has recorded 21 birdies without dropping a shot.

After picking up four shots on the front nine, Stricker recorded consecutive birdies at the 12th and 13th before finishing his round with four in a row.

Perez, meanwhile, played his first nine holes in two-under to open up a three-stroke cushion. He sank three more birdies coming home to conclude a bogey-free round of 67 but it was not enough as Stricker eclipsed the 32-year-old.

Making the 113th start of his career, Perez is bidding for his first PGA win.

The American enjoyed a scintillating opening as he set a PGA record for the best 36-hole start to a tournament by carding 19 birdies and an eagle in rounds of 61 and 63.

Stricker, meanwhile, is seeking his first win since 2007.

Robert Garrigus, Bubba Watson and Vaughn Taylor are tied for third at 26-under.

The 90-hole event is being played over four courses and features a first prize of $918,000.