PACIFIC PALISADES, Calif., Feb. 16 (UPI) -- UCLA alumnus Scott McCarron is putting the "home" course advantage to good use as he carded his second straight 6-under-par 65 Saturday to take a one-shot lead after the third round of the $3.7 Nissan Open.
McCarron, who played Riviera Country Club frequently during his college days, passed Japan's Toru Taniguchi, the surprise second-round leader, and has a 54-hole total of 14-under 199.
The 34-year-old Taniguchi, known for his fist-pumping style, remained in contention with his second straight 67 and is at 13-under. Taniguchi tied for 19th last week at the Buick Invitational in his first appearance of 2002 on the PGA Tour.
While virtually unknown in the United States, he did enjoy some success on American soil last year, posting four top-10 finishes in nine events. His best result was a third at the WGC Accenture Match Play Championship.
Len Mattiace also shot 67 and is alone in third place at 201, one stroke ahead of Brad Faxon and Rory Sabbatini.
Charles Howell III remained in contention for his first PGA Tour title by shooting a 7-under 64 -- the low round of the day -- and is alone in sixth at 203.
Chris DiMarco and Scott Verplank are tied for seventh, one shot ahead of David Peoples. David Duval is among six players tied for 10th at 206.
The tournament lost a bit of its luster when Tiger Woods, who grew up in Southern California, withdrew earlier this week. Woods said he has been ill for two weeks and needs some time away from the golf course.
The Nissan Open was Woods' first PGA Tour event which he played as a 16-year-old amateur. It also is the only tournament he has played at least four times as a professional without winning.
