American Gay takes three-shot lead at Harbour Town

ATLANTA (Reuters) - American Brian Gay moved three shots ahead of the field in the Heritage Classic after Saturday's third round in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina.

In pursuit of his second PGA Tour title, Gay fired a four-under-par 67 in swirling winds for a 13-under total of 200 at the picturesque Harbour Town Golf Links.

New Zealander Tim Wilkinson carded a sparkling six-birdie 65 to lie second, a stroke in front of twice former U.S. Open champion Lee Janzen (69).

Todd Hamilton, who has not won on the U.S. Tour since his surprise victory in the 2004 British Open at Royal Troon, was alone in fourth at eight under after returning a 71.

Gay, one ahead of the chasing pack overnight, stayed in front after making birdies at the fifth and sixth to reach the turn in two-under 34.

He sank a 13-footer to birdie the par-four 11th and briefly stretch his lead to three before Wilkinson picked up his sixth shot of the day at the 16th.

However, Gay tightened his grip on the tournament by rolling in a 25-foot birdie putt on the 15th green and comfortably parred the last three holes to maintain his three-shot cushion.

"I am hitting it really straight off the tee and just hitting a lot of solid shots," Gay told reporters. "I am seeing things really well out there."

BEST PUTTERS

Widely regarded as one of the best putters in the game, Gay looked forward to the challenge of trying to add another title to his breakthrough win at last year's Mayakoba Golf Classic,

"I feel great," he said. "I've just got to keep hitting good shots, keep it in front of me and keep on going."

The straight-hitting Wilkinson, a rookie on last year's PGA Tour, was delighted after climbing into contention for his maiden title on the U.S. circuit.

"I played really well," the left-hander said after a flawless display. "It was tough out there with the wind swirling but I hit some good shots and made some good up and downs."

Asked what his strategy would be for Sunday's final round, he replied: "Same as today.

"Just get in the fairway and try to play pretty aggressively. Take the chances you have. This week I have done that reasonably well."

U.S. Ryder Cup player Boo Weekley, who is bidding for a record third consecutive title at Harbour Town, was a distant 11 strokes off the lead after shooting a 70.

(Writing by Mark Lamport-Stokes in Los Angeles; editing by Ken Ferris; To query or comment on this story email sportsfeedback@thomsonreuters.com)