Jul 5, 2008 - 9:00 AM
0 shoutsBETHESDA, Maryland (Ticker) -- Tom Pernice Jr. and Jeff Overton are tied for the lead entering Saturday's third round at the $6 million AT&T National.
Pernice shot a blistering 7-under-par 63 on Friday to join Overton, who carded a bogey-free 65 during the second round to move to 9-under 131 overall.
Pernice played his first five holes on the Blue Course at Congressional Country Club in even-par before catching fire, starting a string of four straight birdies at the par-4 sixth hole. He added three birdies on the back nine, including one to close his round at the par-4 18th.
Friday marked just the second time this year that Pernice shot a 63. He also reached that number in the final round of the St. Jude Championship last month en route to tying for eighth.
Winless on the PGA Tour since claiming The International in 2001, Pernice missed the cut last week at the Buick Open.
Anthony Kim is in third at 6-under 134 entering the third round after carding his second consecutive 67 on Friday. A group of seven players are at 5-under, including Steve Stricker and John Merrick, who both shot 64 during the second round.
First-round leader Steve Marino is also at 5-under after logging an even-par 70 on Friday.
Defending champion K.J. Choi fell eight shots back of the leaders during the second round after a 1-over 71 dropped him to 1-under 129 and a tie for 26th.
The event is hosted by Tiger Woods, who was advised by doctors not to fly after undergoing knee surgery to repair a torn ACL in his left knee three weeks ago.
First prize of $1.08 million.
