h0486 BC-GLF-GolfCapsules 04-27 0287

SUPERSTITION MOUNTAIN, Ariz. -- Bring on the party. John Jacobs and Jim Thorpe, two men known to appreciate a good time, are the leaders heading into the final round of the Countrywide Tradition, the season's first major on the Senior PGA Tour.

Jacobs combined a sizzling putter with his trademark long drives to shoot a 6-under-par 66 on Saturday for a one-shot lead.

Thorpe, who began the day in a three-way tie for the lead, chipped in from the bunker about 30 feet for an eagle on the par-5, 553-yard 18th hole to complete an up-and-down day.

Jacobs was at 10-under 206 through 54 holes on the 7,228-yard Prospector course at Superstition Mountain Golf & Country Club.

Although they may have mellowed a bit with age, Jacobs and Thorpe are among the game's highest-living free spirits, and that should make for an entertaining final group today.

"Win, lose or draw, we're going to Vegas tomorrow," Thorpe said as he high-fived Jacobs after Saturdays' round.

Thorpe shot a 70 on Saturday for a 9-under 207. Bob Gilder, tied with Thorpe and Bob Eastwood at 7 under entering the third round, birdied the 18th and was two back at 8-under 208.

Jacobs, who lives in nearby Scottsdale, began the day three shots behind the leaders. He had six birdies and no bogeys. He credited his lead, though, to saving par on the 10th, 11th and 12th holes.

"That's what kind of made my round," he said. "I parred all three holes and didn't hit a good shot."

Hale Irwin, the tour's leading money winner, climbed out of the pack with a 68 and was at 5-under 211, along with Fuzzy Zoeller, Tom Kite and Dick Mast.

Greater Greensboro Chrysler Classic: ROCCO MEDIATE, PUTTING NOTHING LIKE HIS PGA TOUR STATS INDICATE, SHOT A 6-UNDER-PAR 66 FOR A TWO-SHOT LEAD OVER MARK CALCAVECCHIA HEADING INTO THE FINAL ROUND OF THE GREATER GREENSBORO CHRYSLER CLASSIC NEAR GREENSBORO, N.C.

MEDIATE, THE 1993 WINNER, HAD A 15-UNDER 201 TOTAL ON THE FOREST OAKS COURSE. HE BEGAN THE WEEK 140TH ON TOUR IN PUTTING AVERAGE.

SPANISH OPEN: Sergio Garcia, seeking his first pro victory in Spain, shot a 5-under 67 to take a five-stroke lead after the third round of the Spanish Open at Las Palmas, Canary Islands.

Garcia had a 14-under 202 total. Italy's Emanuele Canonica (70) was second, and 17-year-old Spanish amateur Rafael Cabrera (67) was 8 under along with England's Greg Owen (72).

-- From wire reports