Golf: Couch leads in New Orleans, Mickelson lurks

NEW ORLEANS - Unheralded American Chris Couch defied gusting winds to take charge at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans today while Phil Mickelson climbed into contention.

Journeyman Couch, who has made just two cuts in nine starts on the 2006 PGA Tour, fired an eight-under-par 64 to forge one shot clear in the third round.

The 32-year-old reeled off nine birdies at a blustery English Turn Golf & Country Club before dropping his only shot at the par-four last, finishing at 12-under 204.

Overnight leader Joe Durant battled back from six bogeys in the first 10 holes to card a 73, a curling 20-footer for birdie at the last earning him a tie for second with fellow American Charles Howell III (66).

"It was not for man or beast today," Durant told reporters of the weather conditions. "I'm really worn out.

"Although it blew in the same direction all day, it was extremely gusty and made clubbing almost impossible at times." Compatriots Dean Wilson (66) and Cameron Beckman (67) shared fourth place at 10-under 206 with the ominous figure of US Masters champion Mickelson one stroke back.

The American left-hander, seven off the pace overnight, charged into contention with a five-birdie 68, ending the day level with six others including Paraguay's Carlos Franco (68), Australian Stephen Leaney (72) and Britain's Ian Poulter (72).

Bidding for a third title in a row, left-hander Mickelson got to 10 under for the tournament before collecting his only bogey at the par-three 17th.

Mickelson, who has pledged to donate his winnings this week to the Hurricane Katrina Relief Fund, is playing his first tournament since the Masters three weeks ago.

New Zealand golfer Craig Perks has gone from the sublime to the ordinary at the Zurich Classic on the US PGA Tour in New Orleans.

Having posted a six-under in his second round to make the cut, Perks has shot eight-over today, to be three-over for the championship.


He is fifteen shots behind leader American Scott Couch after three rounds

Of the other big names, 2001 winner David Toms returned a 72 to finish at eight under, Ireland's Padraig Harrington (71) was at seven under and world number three Retief Goosen (75) was at six under.

"When you have open greens on the front, you have to be very precise with distance control," Toms said after getting to 11 under before bogeying three of the last six holes.

"Even when I was in the middle of the fairway, I struggled. It was a very tough day.

"It would be nice to have a chance on the back nine tomorrow. It would be a dream come true for me."

This week's tournament is the first major international sports event hosted by New Orleans since the Hurricane Katrina disaster last August.

The hurricane, which hit Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama, flooded 80 per cent of New Orleans and ravaged the Tournament Players Club of Louisiana, venue for last year's event.

- REUTERS, NEWSTALK ZB