Morgan regains lead at Senior PGA Championship

HOUSTON, May 28 (Reuters) Local favourite Gil Morgan overcame gusting winds to regain control of the Senior PGA Championship with a level-par 71 in the third round at Edmond, Oklahoma.

A stroke off the pace overnight, the 59-year-old American ended a gruelling day of high-scoring at Oak Tree Golf Club one ahead of Brad Bryant.

Morgan, who lives a short walk from the course, offset three bogeys with three birdies for a 54-hole total of six-under 207.

Chasing his first Champions Tour major since the 1998 Senior Players Championship, he had led the tournament on day one after firing a sparkling 66 in searing heat.

Bryant carded a 72 to stand alone in second while Peter Jacobsen, tournament leader overnight, returned a 75 to share third place at three under with Loren Roberts (71).

''It was a very difficult day for everyone, me included,'' Morgan told reporters after launching his round with a birdie-three at the opening hole yesterday.

''You had to really control your golf ball to be able to get it to come down in the right spot with the cross winds and the down wind and that type of thing.

''I think making a birdie early on kind of got me started a little bit,'' added the Oklahoma native who is bidding to become the tournament's oldest winner since Sam Snead in 1973.

TOUGH DAY ''Fortunately, I was able to hit a few good shots today and not make too many mistakes. Plus I was able to make a few birdies.

It was just a tough old day.'' Morgan, whose nine-year run of winning at least once on the Champions Tour ended last season, is chasing his first victory at senior level since the 2004 SBC Classic.

Jacobsen, seeking his third major title in three years, was disappointed with a round featuring six bogeys and just two birdies.

''It was hard,'' said the 51-year-old, who had two operations on his right knee last year and hip surgery in 2004.

''This is not the kind of course you want to play in the wind. I just didn't put the ball in the right spot and I kept hitting a lot of shots over the greens.'' PGA Tour veteran Jay Haas, bidding for a third consecutive victory on the Champions Tour, was tied for fifth at two under, a 73 putting him level with fellow American Dana Quigley (72).

Tom Watson, the 2001 champion, signed for a 74 to occupy ninth spot at level-par 213 with defending champion Mike Reid a further four strokes back after a 75.

REUTERS DH RN0548