Langer takes four-shot lead in Regions Tradition

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Bernhard Langer avoided the troubles of several other Regions Tradition contenders on a day when swirling wind became a factor.

The result was a four-shot lead. A stroke behind leader Kenny Perry entering play Saturday, Langer shot a 3-under 69 to move to 12-under 204 in the first PGA Tour Champions major of the year — while Perry and others stumbled at Greystone.

“It was a tough day,” Langer said. “It was windy, it was swirly, never consistent. The wind, it was all over the place. Played pretty solid, drove the ball fantastic today, really drove it phenomenally, long and straight. Just a couple of short putts that hurt.”

The 58-year-old Langer, the Chubb Classic winner in February for his 26th victory on the 50-and-over tour, did miss a 4-foot birdie putt on the final hole.

Perry held the lead after each of the first two rounds but had a double bogey on the opening hole on his way to a 74. He and Scott McCarron, who shot a 72, were tied for second place going into the final round.

John Daly was among five players at 7 under after a 69. Playing in his second PGA Tour Champions event, the two-time major winner had a double bogey, two bogeys, an eagle and five birdies.

Daly eagled the par-15 13 and was 4-under over the final six holes. He’s had a double or triple bogey in all three rounds but also has a pair of eagles.

He finished strong again with a birdie on 18 for the second straight day.

“It’s been get it going, then lose it, get it going and then lose it,” Daly said. “Just hanging in there. But the last four holes so far have been really good to me in this tournament. Finishing strong. It’s that third hole or somewhere in the middle, I just seem to keep goofing up.”

Langer got his first of four birdies on the second hole, where he’s 3 under for the tournament. His only misstep was a bogey on No. 5, a par 5.

McCarron, meanwhile, struggled on the greens after a second-round 66. He said he missed three five-footers and several from 10 feet.

“I wasted a lot of shots out there,” he said. “A little disappointing. The greens were a little tougher today, I don’t know if they’re a little grainier or what from the rains that we had (Friday), but I didn’t make anything.”

Also at 7 under with Daly were Colin Montgomerie (70), Mark Calcavecchia (71) and Gary Hallberg (68), who doesn’t have a full exemption and is playing only his fourth 50-and-over event of the year.

Hallberg is trying to avoid thoughts of what winning a major would mean to his career.

“Your mind starts going there and you have to stop it in its tracks and think of something else, and that’s the challenge,” he said.

Billy Andrade opened the day tied with Langer but wound up six strokes back with a 75.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

X
Vote for The Herald’s Prep Athlete of the Week for March 8-17

The Athlete of the Week nominees for March 8-17. Voting closes at… Continue reading

X
Silvertips’ playoff picture coming together as season hits final week

Everett is officially the Western Conference’s No. 3 seed and is likely heading into a matchup with Kelowna or Vancouver.

Los Angeles Rams offensive guard Tremayne Anchrum (72) against the Denver Broncos during the second half of an NFL preseason football game, Saturday, Aug. 28, 2021, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
Seahawks add to position of need, sign guard Tremayne Anchrum Jr.

The 25-year-old has played in 31 games, starting once, since being drafted by the Los Angeles Rams in 2020.

Everett Community College head coach Chet Hovde watches as the women's team practices on Tuesday, March 7, 2017 in Everett, Wa. (Andy Bronson / The Herald)
EvCC coach Chet Hovde, who ‘lived for’ basketball, dies at 77

Coach Hovde graduated from Everett High School in 1965. He spent 33 years as the women’s basketball coach at the community college.

Jackson’s Ian Friedrichsen celebrates his goal with his teammates during the game against Bothell on Thursday, May 11, 2023 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Prep boys soccer: 5 things to watch for the 2024 season in Snohomish County

A look at the top local storylines for this high school boys soccer season

Jackson’s Rachel Sysum is hugged by Leneyah Mitchell after hitting a home run during the game against Bothell on Friday, May 19, 2023 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Prep softball: 5 things to watch for the 2024 season in Snohomish County

A look at the top local storylines to keep an eye on this high school softball season.

X
Prep roundup for Friday, March 15

Prep roundup for Friday, March 15: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Glacier Peak’s Samantha Christensen runs to home plate to celebrate her home run with her teammates during the game against Snohomish on Friday, March 15, 2024 in Snohomish, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
GALLERY: Glacier Peak softball tops rival Snohomish

The Grizzlies prevail 9-5 in a clash of area powers.

X
Prep roundup for Thursday, March 14

Prep roundup for Thursday, March 14: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

The Washington Wolfpack logo is revealed during the Everett AFL team unveiling at Tony V's Garage in Everett, Washington onThursday, Oct. 26, 2023. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Everett’s new arena football team to have 4 televised games

The NFL Network will broadcast 30 AFL games this season, including two Wolfpack home games.

Washington coach Mike Hopkins yells to the team during the second half of the team's NCAA college basketball game against California, Saturday, Feb. 17, 2024, in Seattle. California won 82-80. (AP Photo/Stephen Brashear)
Looking back at Mike Hopkins’ turbulent tenure as UW men’s basketball coach

The departing Huskies coach had highs early, but the good times didn’t last long.

X
Prep roundup for Saturday, March 16

Prep roundup for Saturday, March 16: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.