Maggert Forges ahead at Regions Tradition


Jeff Maggert birdied three of his final four holes to ease into the lead through 54 holes of the Regions Tradition. The $2.3 million event, the first major of the year on the Champions Tour, is being held at Shoal Creek in Alabama.

Maggert, who has been atop the leaderboard since opening with two straight 67s, carded a 68 Saturday to reach 14-under 202, a stroke ahead of fellow 36-hole co-leader Kevin Sutherland, who shot a 69.

On Saturday the 51-year-old Maggert, a resident of Houston with one victory on the over-50 circuit, went out with one birdie on the front nine before coming home with three more. Sutherland, the first and only player ever on the Champions Tour to fire a magical 59, had five birdies and two bogeys.

Fred Funk posted a 67 to move into solo third at 206, while trailing Maggert by six are Jeff Hart and Gene Sauers, who each posted a 68.

Tied for sixth are Tom Pernice Jr. (68), Bernhard Langer (70) and defending champion Kenny Perry (70).

Two-time Regions Tradition champion Tom Lehman had a 68 and enters Sunday's final round at 201, while another stroke back are John Huston, who fired Saturday's low round of 7-under 65, Jeff Sluman (67), Esteban Toledo (70) and Michael Allen (74).

For updated scoring, visit http://www.pgatour.com/champions/leaderboard.html.