GOLF / PGA AT KAPALUA : Love Takes Lead, Hulbert Takes Penalty

Davis Love III birdied five of the last seven holes for a seven-under-par 66 to take a four-stroke lead Friday after three rounds of the $750,000 Kapalua International golf tournament.

Love’s three-day total of 14-under-par 204 on the par-72 Plantation course puts him four shots ahead of Mike Hulbert and Jim Hallet going into today’s final round.

Hulbert appeared to have finished with a three-under 70 but was assessed a two-stroke penalty for moving a long piece of grass before hitting his second shot from a patch of weeds. The penalty gave him a round of 72 and a 208 total.

PGA rules forbid moving, bending or breaking any growth that is attached to the ground. The question of Hulbert’s moving the grass was first raised by ESPN television commentators.

“When I watched it (on TV), I couldn’t believe it,” Hulbert said. “I just couldn’t believe my eyes. I had to penalize myself after I saw that because it was clear on TV.

“I couldn’t believe it was still there, I thought the grass has blown away. I was as surprised as anybody. I had to blink a couple of times.”

Hallet shot 66 Friday for his 208 total. Steve Pate is another stroke back after a one-under 72.

After two days of calm conditions, blustery trade winds kicked up Friday.