Steve Friesen fired a 3-under-par 69 Saturday to move into first place after 54 holes of the HSBC New Zealand PGA Championship
Five players are tied for fourth place, including Americans Ryan Hietala and Craig Bowden, as well as reigning U.S. Amateur champion Danny Lee, an 18-year-old from New Zealand.
Three players, including Barnes, shared the 36-hole lead at 9 under and steady winds of 10-20 mph kept the lead from advancing too much further under par at the Clearwater Resort.
Friesen started the day one back but quickly jumped to the lead with four birdies in his opening five holes to set the pace at 12 under.
Australia’s 29 players top the list, followed by the United States (23) and New Zealand (7). Canada, England, South Africa and Norway had one each.
Leaderboard – Round 3:
1. Steve Friesen USA 69 67 69 205 -11
2. Steve Alker NZL 69 70 67 206 -10
Kurt Barnes AUS 64 71 71 206 -10
4. Stephen Dartnall AUS 72 67 68 207 – 9
David Smail NZL 68 71 68 207 – 9
Danny Lee (a) NZL 71 67 69 207 – 9
Ryan Hietala USA 71 67 69 207 – 9
Craig Bowden USA 69 68 70 207 – 9
9. David McKenzie AUS 70 71 67 208 – 8
Brian Stuard USA 70 68 70 208 – 8
Scott Hend AUS 68 70 70 208 – 8
Jason Norris AUS 73 65 70 208 – 8
Josh Geary NZL 72 65 71 208 – 8