Kirk Triplett recorded a second straight 5-under-par 67 and tied defending champion Bernhard Langer of Germany for the lead heading into the final round of the Ace Group Classic on the Talon Course at Twin Eagles Golf Club in Naples, Fla.
Triplett, whose only victories on the Champions Tour came the last two years in the Nature Valley First Tee Open at Pebble Beach, said he made some pars that were just as important as his five birdies.
“I missed a bunch of greens on the front nine, but was able to get up-and-down for par,” said Triplett, who claimed three victories on the PGA Tour.
“I was able to get the ball into the hole and avoid making any bogeys.”
Langer, who has won the Ace Group two of the last three years, followed an opening 64 with a 70. That included a bogey on the second hole, where he called a one-stroke penalty on himself when he double-hit a chip shot before holing a clutch 10-foot putt.
Duffy Waldorf, who lost to Michael Allen last week in a playoff at the Allianz Championship, posted a 68 and was one stroke back in a tie for third with Olin Browne, who birdied three of the last five holes to shoot 69.
Colin Montgomerie carded a 67 that was the low round of the day and was three shots back in a tie for fifth with Bob Tway, who had a 72.
