Verplank and Marino share lead heading to final round at Disney

11/9/2008

Steve Marino shot a 6-under par 66 Saturday to tie Scott Verplank for the lead heading into the final round of the $4.6 million Children's Miracle Network Classic at Disney World.

The second-year PGA Tour member will play with Verplank and Davis Love III, two players with Ryder Cup experience, PGA Tour wins and who were in each other's wedding, in the final threesome Sunday. Verplank and Marino are tied at 19-under 197 after three rounds.

Troy Matteson, tied for the second-round lead, shot a 69 to fall into a tie for fifth, three shots back.

Erik Compton, who's had two heart transplants and got a sponsor's exemption, shot a 72 and is 13 strokes off the lead. He'll be playing in the second-round of Q-School next week, only six months after his second transplant.

Marino has made through three rounds without shooting worse than par on any hole.

Love, coming off an ankle injury that kept him out for six weeks this summer, is playing the Fall Series, something he normally does not do.

Leaderboard – Round 3:

1. Scott Verplank               USA  64 64 69 197 -19
    Steve Marino                 USA  65 66 66 197 -19
3. Davis Love III                USA  66 69 64 199 -17
    Scott Sterling                 USA  70 63 66 199 -17
5. Tommy Gainey              USA  68 66 66 200 -16
    Robert Garrigus             USA  65 67 68 200 -16
    Troy Matteson               USA  63 68 69 200 -16
8. Tim Petrovic                  USA  67 67 68 202 -14
    Bo Van Belt                   USA  68 66 68 202 -14
    Ken Duke                     USA  66 67 69 202 -14
    Jason Gore                   USA  66 67 69 202 -14
    Kevin Streelman            USA  64 69 69 202 -14
    Robert Gamez               USA  65 67 70 202 -14

Source: AP, PGA Tour