Gilder Takes Three-Stroke Lead in Pro-Am Tournament at Carmel

CARMEL — Despite calling it a “tough day,” Bob Gilder shot a 3-under-par 68 Friday and took a 3-stroke lead over two players after three rounds of the $250,000 Spalding Invitational Pro-Am.

As Thursday’s three co-leaders faltered under sunny and clear conditions, Gilder made 15 pars and sank birdie putts of 15, 32 and 7 feet at Carmel Valley Golf and Country Club en route to his 7-under-par 206 total.

“It was a tough day for me,” said Gilder, who last November won a two-man team tournament in Japan with Doug Tewell and also claimed the non-tour Kapalua International in Hawaii. “I came out a little rushed and didn’t feel as good as I felt yesterday.”

Trailing Gilder, who began the day in a four-way tie 1 shot behind the leaders, are Lennie Clements, who shot even-par 70 at Carmel Valley Ranch, and Danny Edwards, who tied two others for low honors of the day with a 66, also at Carmel Valley Ranch.

Gilder, 82nd on last year’s money list with $144,000, credited a new outlook on the game with his recently improved play.

“I made a decision not to get upset,” he said. “I just wanted to go out and have a good time. I used to always expect to play great, and when I didn’t, I got very frustrated.”

Former U.S. Amateur winner Sam Randolph fired a 69 at Carmel Valley Ranch is alone in third place at 210. Seven other players, including second-round co-leader Rob Boldt, are within 6 strokes of the leader.

Boldt, one of three second-round leaders after two rounds, shot 2-over-par 74 at Poppy Hills, the most difficult of the three course being used in the non-tour event. The other 36-hole leaders who also played at Poppy Hills, suffered worse fates.

Loren Roberts shot 76 and is at even-par 213. Greg Powers carded a 78 and is at 215.