Britton storms to lead at Senior PGA Professional

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PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. (AP) -- Bill Britton shot a 7-under 65 to take a one-stroke lead over Paul Daniels after the third round of the Senior PGA Professional National Championship at PGA Golf Club on Saturday.

The low 35 finishers will qualify for the 2010 Senior PGA Championship in May at Colorado Golf Club near Denver.

Britton, the PGA director of instruction at Trump National Golf Club Colts Neck in New Jersey, followed up back-to-back 69s with a third round highlighted by eight birdies that left him at 13-under 203.

The 54-year-old had only one hiccup, a three-putt bogey on No. 11.

"I really did putt well all day, and made some long ones," Britton said. "I put my approach on No. 18 to a foot, which was a great way to finish."

Daniels, from Port St. Lucie, Fla., had a 66 and Perry Arthur of Plano, Texas, shot a 67 to sit another stroke back in third.

Overnight co-leader Jim White shot a 72 and was among a group of six players tied for fourth at 207 that included defending champion Kirk Hanefeld of Acton, Mass. Second-round co-leader Kim Thompson was alone in 11th after a 73.

Daniels, the second alternate in the South Florida PGA Section, didn't know that he had landed a berth in the field until 6:30 p.m. Wednesday.

"I am just relaxed and glad that I have this opportunity," he said. "I had never made a cut in a national championship. Today, what can you say? No bogeys and six birdies."