Verplank holds early lead at Bob Hope Classic

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - American Scott Verplank grabbed the clubhouse lead by firing a four-under-par 68 in the Bob Hope Classic third round at Palm Desert, California on Friday.

Verplank, joint pacesetter with Britain's Justin Rose at the start of the day, mixed five birdies with one bogey at Bermuda Dunes Country Club to finish at 16-under 200.

Late starter Rose was on track for a better score, though, getting to 18 under overall with three holes to play at PGA West's Palmer Private course.

Englishman Rose, bidding for his first victory on the PGA Tour, was six under for the day after rattling up an eagle, five birdies and one bogey.

American Lucas Glover posted a 13-under total after carding a 66, also at Bermuda Dunes, with compatriot Charley Hoffman a further stroke back after shooting a 68 at PGA West.

Best round of the day was a blistering 63 from twice Masters champion Bernard Langer at Bermuda Dunes, which lifted him into an early tie for 11th place at 10 under.

Four venues are hosting the 90-hole pro-am celebrity event, the third stop on the 2007 PGA Tour.

U.S. Ryder Cup player Verplank, joint runner-up last year behind winner Chad Campbell, made a fast start with four birdies in his first nine holes.

He lost momentum after the turn, however, offsetting a birdie at the 14th with a bogey on 16 before he lipped out with his birdie attempt at the last.

Of the other big names in the 126-strong field, Masters champion Phil Mickelson and former number one David Duval were both at seven under.

Left-hander Mickelson, winner of the Bob Hope Classic in 2002 and 2004, fired an erratic 69 at the Classic Club while Duval had completed 15 holes at La Quinta.

Title-holder Campbell finished at two under after returning a 70 at PGA West.