Kirk & Baird Now on Top in McGladrey Classic


The McGladrey Classic finally got back on track after a fog delay in Thursday's opening round sent its schedule haywire.

When the dust settled at the conclusion of Saturday's third round, Briny Baird and Chris Kirk found themselves atop the leaderboard in the $5.5 million PGA Tour event on the Seaside Course at Sea Island, Ga.

Kirk, with one victory - the 2011 Viking Classic - in his career, got off to a so-so start with two bogeys and 10 pars through 12 holes. But the 28-year-old came home with four birdies on his final six for a 2-under 68 to reach 10-under 200, the same total as Baird, who shot 67.

One stroke behind the co-leaders are Brian Gay (66), Australia's John Senden (68) and Kevin Stadler, who posted the low third of 65.

After a pair of bogeys and birdies on his first four holes, Stadler settled down from there with five birdies over the final 10. Stadler has won on the Buy.com and European tours but is still looking for his maiden victory on the PGA Tour.

"It took me quite a while to kind of feel like I belonged out here and to just settle in," the 33-year-old told PGATour.com. "I've been out here quite a while now and haven't had too many shots to win, but plenty of times around other tours and whatnot, so certainly looking forward to (Sunday)."

Two back of Kirk and Baird are Americans Brendon Todd (67) and Scott Brown (68), while three behind is Jason Kokrak (69).

Trailing by four are Matt Kuchar (68), Daniel Summerhays (69), Matt Every (69) and Webb Simpson (71). Five behind lurk Charles Howell III (66), Scott Langley (68), Brian Harman (70) and South Africa's Tim Clark (71).

All told, there are 14 players within five strokes of the co-leaders.

Once everyone finished their second rounds Saturday morning, the cut was set at 1-over 141. Among those who didn't qualify for the final two rounds was defending champion Tommy Gainey, who posted scores of 70 and 74.

For all the scores, visit http://www.pgatour.com/leaderboard.html.