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Allan Fires 65, Leads by One Entering Final Round at Mission Hills
Australia’s Steve Allan made the most of his opportunity on Saturday, carding a 7-under 65 at Mission Hills Country Club to take a one-shot lead heading into the final round of the Galleri Classic in Rancho Mirage, California.
Allan, 51, only entered the field after Steve Stricker withdrew on Monday due to a back injury. Now, he’s positioned to chase his first PGA Tour Champions victory, having matched his career-low score on the senior circuit.
“Nice to be really striking the ball well,” Allan said, crediting fellow Aussie Cameron Percy with a helpful swing tip that boosted his confidence, particularly in the windy conditions. “Even though the wind was picking up, I was a bit more confident than I was last week.”
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Ridings Fires Record-Tying 63 to Trail by One
Tag Ridings, 50, delivered the round of the day — and the tournament — with a 9-under 63 to tie the event’s single-round scoring record. Ridings, who entered through Tuesday’s open qualifier, surged into solo second at 12 under, just one back of Allan.
“It’s a big boost of confidence,” Ridings said. “But, more than confidence out here, you need status. I’m here to do something good tomorrow and work that out.”
Neither Allan nor Ridings holds full Champions Tour status, heightening the stakes for Sunday’s final round.
Crowded Chase Pack at 8 Under
Steven Alker, the reigning Charles Schwab Cup champion, also posted a 65 to sit three shots back alongside Percy and Jason Caron at 8 under. All three remain in striking distance with 18 holes to play.
First-round co-leader Bernhard Langer slipped to 7 under following a 1-under 71, dropping four strokes off the lead.
Miguel Angel Jimenez rebounded from an opening 73 with a 7-under 65 to pull within four shots. “I finished almost like a pure black horse instead of a donkey,” Jimenez joked.
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Notes and Withdrawals
Defending champion Retief Goosen sits at 4 under, tied for 16th. Meanwhile, Rocco Mediate and Mark Calcavecchia withdrew from the tournament on Saturday due to injuries.
