LA QUINTA, Calif., Jan. 31 (UPI) -- Stephen Ames continued his sizzling play in the California desert Friday, carding an 8-under-par 64 at La Quinta to grab a one-stroke lead over Jay Haas after the third round of the Bob Hope Classic.
Ames, seeking his first PGA Tour title, completed 54 holes of the 90-hole, celebrity-filled event at 22-under 194. He posted a 67 in the first round and a 63 in the second.
Ames' only win on American soil came on the Ben Hogan Tour in 1991, when he captured the Pensacola Open. But the Calgary resident enjoyed a solid 2002 season, finishing in the top 50 on the money list for the first time. Ames had four top-10 finishes, including second place at the Players Championship.
Haas, who is eligible to play on the 50-and-older Champions Tour next season, shot a 5-under 67 at Indian Wells and was alone in second place. The winner of the 1988 Bob Hope Classic, Haas carded a career-best 11-under-par 61 on Thursday to take a one-shot lead heading into the third round.
Mike Weir, another Canadian, and Tim Herron were tied for third at 197, one stroke ahead of Chris DiMarco, Steve Lowery and J.L. Lewis.
Four courses, all with a par of 72, are utilized for the tournament.
