Flesch keeps going low with 66 for four-shot edge

Steve Flesch shot a six-under-par 66 on Saturday to take a four-shot lead over Carl Pettersson and Charles Warren after three rounds at the inaugural Turning Stone Resort Championship at Verona, N.Y.

Flesch, seeking his second victory in two months, was at 19-under 197, tying the PGA Tour’s lowest 54-hole score in relation to par this year. Pettersson (66) briefly tied for the lead after consecutive birdies on the back nine, but Flesch rallied with four of his own over the final five holes to keep the top spot to himself.

Warren (68), who finished second to Flesch at Reno in early August, birdied his final hole to tie Pettersson for second. They were two shots in front of Parker McLachlin (65). Michael Allen (68) and Bill Haas (69) were another stroke back at 12 under. Jeff Gove, who started the day tied with rookie Brendon de Jonge one shot behind Flesch, faltered with a 76 and was out of contention 10 shots back.

De Jonge, a rookie playing a weekend for only the seventh time in 20 events, shot a 75.

Mark Wiebe shot a five-under 67 to take a one-shot lead and set an SAS Championship scoring record after two rounds at Cary, N.C.

Wiebe, in position to become the first player to win in his Champions Tour debut since Mark McNulty took the 2004 Outback Steakhouse Pro-Am, had a 13-under 131 total.

Dick Mast, who started the second round tied for fourth at five under, capped his 65 with a 50-foot eagle putt on the par-five 17th. He was tied for second with Dana Quigley, who birdied the par-four 18th and had a 66.

If Wiebe wins, he would qualify for the Senior Players Championship in Baltimore next month.

“I’m not surprised how I’m playing. I’m surprised how low the scoring is,” he said. “We all play to be close to winning on Sunday. I just want a shot.”