Scottsdale, AZ (Best E Casino) - Kevin Sutherland fired a seven-under 63 to grab a one-stroke lead after three rounds of the Frys.com Open.
Sutherland, who owns just one PGA Tour title, completed 54 holes at 14-under- par 196, which established a new 54-hole scoring record here by one stroke.
The 44-year-old Sutherland owned the 54-hole lead for the third time in his PGA Tour career. The other two times he was in this position -- at the 1997 Houston Open and the 2007 Pebble Beach National Pro-Am -- he finished in second place.
"I'd rather be in the last group," Sutherland admitted. "I'm just looking forward to having a good time (Sunday)."
George McNeill carded a four-under 66 to move into second place at 13-under- par 197. Paul Goydos (66), Steve Allan (68) and John Mallinger (66) are tied for third place at minus-12.
Sutherland started the day in a share of ninth place and began his climb up the leaderboard with birdies on one and four. He moved to 10-under with a birdie at the seventh.
After three straight pars around the turn, Sutherland two-putted for birdie on the 11th. He came right back with an eight-foot birdie putt at 12 to grab a share of the lead.
Sutherland took the lead with a four-foot birdie putt at the 15th. After a 12- foot birdie effort on the 17th, Sutherland led by two. He parred the last to set the 54-hole scoring record.
"I putted terrific. It's always nice to roll in putts," said Sutherland, who needed 29 putts to complete his round. "You don't go out there thinking you need to shoot seven-under par every day like last week in Las Vegas, but if you hit good shots and put the ball in the fairway, you can shoot a really good score."
McNeill stumbled to a bogey on the third, but he bounced right back with a birdie at four. He parred five straight before making his move around the turn at Grayhawk Golf Club.
The 33-year-old McNeill, who won in Las Vegas last year, converted back-to- back birdie efforts from the 10th. A seven-foot birdie putt on the 15th got him within one of the lead.
McNeill drained a 24-footer for birdie on 17 to end one behind Sutherland.
"I always play well out here. I won tour school in Palm Springs, won in Vegas and I'm playing well here. I have no idea, it's just something about the air," McNeill said. "Even today, I just felt real comfortable."
Cameron Beckman (64) and Woody Austin (65) are tied for sixth place at 11- under-par 199.
Second-round leader Arron Oberholser stumbled to a one-over 71 and fell into a share of eighth at 10-under-par 200. He was joined there by Bob Tway and Mathew Goggin.
Defending champion Mike Weir posted two birdies and a bogey in a round of 69. He is tied for 24th place at minus-seven.
