BOGART, Ga. ' Bob Burns fired a 5-under 67 on Saturday to take the third-round lead at the Athens Regional Foundation Classic.
Burns stands at 12-under 204 for a two-shot advantage over Rich Barcelo (67) and second-round leader Patrick Sheehan (71).
Cameron Percy (66) and Skip Kendall (69) share third place at 9-under 207, while Brad Elder (66), Daniel Summerhays (67) and Tjaart van der Walt (69) are tied at 8-under 208.
Burns, in second place overnight, took the lead with a bogey-free round that included five birdies. He made three birdies during a four-hole stretch on the back nine, beginning at No. 12.
A two-time winner on the Nationwide Tour in 1998, Burns hasn’t won on the developmental circuit since. He claimed a PGA Tour win at the 2002 Disney Golf Classic.
‘It’s been a long time, but I’ve been in this position before,’ said the 41-year-old veteran, who has earned over $3.75 million on the PGA and Nationwide Tours since 1991.
Burns has had to recover from a first-round 74 on Thursday. He fired a 63 in the second round Friday and has played the last 36 holes at 14-under-par.
After missing the first four cuts of the season, Burns isn’t confused by his sudden turnaround.
‘The difference is my putting ' 100 percent,’ he said. ‘I’ve played decently this year, but have been giving it all back on the greens.’
Sheehan, after holding a two-stroke lead overnight, stumbled to a pair of bogeys on the front nine and couldn’t fully recover. He finished with four birdies and three bogeys for the round.
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