Leonard jumps into Hope lead
Justin Leonard moved into position for his second Bob Hope Chrysler Classic victory, shooting a 6-under 66 on Saturday to open a gaping 4-shot lead in the 90-hole event at Palm Desert, Calif.
His game steady throughout the first four days, the 2005 champion had a 23-under 265 total through 72 holes.
Anthony Kim (66), Kenny Perry (66), D.J. Trahan (70) and Robert Gamez (71) were tied for second at 19 under.
The first four rounds of the Hope are a pro-am played over four different courses. The low-scoring 70 pros and ties play the final round at the Classic Club.
Former British Open champion Leonard began the fourth round in a second-place tie with Trahan, 1 shot back of Gamez. Leonard moved in front when he rolled in a 5-foot birdie putt on No. 13 to reach 20 under.
He hit a 4-wood within 6 feet on the 561-yard par-5 14th and made that putt to widen his lead to 3 shots. He capped his day at the Classic Club with a 1-foot birdie putt on No. 18.
Gamez also played at the Classic Club. Kim was at La Quinta Country Club, and Trahan and Perry at PGA West.
Leonard took the Hope title in 2005 with a closing 67 to finish at 25-under 335, good for a three-shot victory over Tim Clark and Joe Ogilvie.