Perry moves into tie for lead with Axley and Adamonis at John Deere

7/13/2008

Kenny Perry can't figure it out, either.

The new putter? That seems to be helping. His surgically repaired knee? It feels fine, after he rushed back two years ago.

New equipment and better health aside, he can't explain why he's playing this well.

Perry finished with a flourish Saturday at TPC Deere Run to move into a three-way tie for the lead through three rounds at the John Deere Classic.
Perry, seeking his third victory in five starts, birdied the 18th hole to finish at 4-under 67 for the day and 15-under 198 for the tournament. That tied him with Eric Axley (67) and Brad Adamonis (66), who at 35 is the PGA Tour's oldest rookie.

Jay Williamson (62) and second-round leader Will MacKenzie (70) were one stroke back.

Perry was at 15 under after sinking a nine-foot birdie putt on the par-4 14th before finding trouble on the 15th, hitting rough off the tee and two-putting from nine feet for a bogey. But he made up for it on the 18th, when his approach nearly hit the pin before settling a bit less than 6 feet to its left.

That drew oohs and aahs from the crowd and even a "You the man!" from one spectator. Perry then buried the putt to complete the birdie on the par-4 hole and pull even with Axley and Adamonis.

Axley won the 2006 Valero Texas Open, while Adamonis is seeking his first victory. Now, they're at the top of a jammed leaderboard with Perry.

The 41-year-old Williamson converted eight plus an eagle while making the biggest move with a 9-under round of 62.

Leaderboard – Round 3:

1. Eric Axley                    USA  65 66 67 198 -15
    Brad Adamonis            USA  66 66 66 198 -15
    Kenny Perry                 USA  65 66 67 198 -15
4. Jay Williamson             USA  69 68 62 199 -14
    Will MacKenzie             USA  65 64 70 199 -14
6. J.P. Hayes                   USA  67 68 65 200 -13
    Charlie Wi                   KOR  64 67 69 200 -13
8. Tim Clark                     SAF  70 67 64 201 -12
    Chad Campbell            USA  67 67 67 201 -12
    Scott Sterling               USA  67 67 67 201 -12

Source: AP, PGA Tour