Jacobsen stays atop Hartford leaderboard

CROMWELL, Conn. -- Peter Jacobsen fired a 1-under par 69 Saturday and retained a one-stroke lead through three rounds at the Greater Hartford Open with a chance to earn his first PGA Tour win in eight years.

The 49-year-old tour veteran protected his second-round lead with aggressive play to outlast a field of younger and longer-hitting players.

"The days of playing for par to protect a lead are over," he said. "It's like the Indy 500. You take a pit stop too long, the whole field goes by you."

Jacobsen, eligible for the Champions Tour next year, won this event in 1984 when the tournament moved from nearby Wethersfield to the TPC at River Highlands.

With a victory today, he would become the final winner of the GHO, which will be called the Buick Championship next year.

Jacobsen's 54-hole total of 199 is 11 under for the tournament.

One stroke behind Jacobsen is Chris Riley (63) and Willie Wood (68) at 200. Riley's round of 7 under was the lowest of the day. Kenny Perry (67) and Craig Barlow (68) were two strokes back, tied at 201.

Jacobsen and Jay Haas started the day at 10 under and with a one-stroke lead.