GOLF SENIORS AT LA COSTA : Geiberger Leads by Three, but Rodriguez Coming On

CARLSBAD — Al Geiberger gave the field a chance to catch up Saturday during the third round of the senior division of the Tournament of Champions.

But Lee Trevino’s game collapsed, and only Chi Chi Rodriguez took advantage of the opportunity over the still-soft, 6,815-yard La Costa course.

While Trevino, with four consecutive bogeys, soared to a four-over-par 76, Rodriguez shot a 69. Geiberger had a one-under 71 and leads after 54 holes with a 209, seven under par and three shots in front of Rodriguez. Trevino, recovering slightly with a birdie on the last hole, trails Geiberger by five shots. They were tied after 36 holes, five shots in front.

“I’m surprised nobody really made a run at me,” Geiberger, 54, said shortly before helping daughter Katie celebrate her first birthday. “Lee (his playing partner) had a lot of trouble today. I had some chances to pull away, but the only time I ever felt I didn’t waste an opportunity was when I shot the 59 (in the Memphis Classic in 1977).

“There was still a lot of mud on some fairways and the greens were trampled on, so being seven under is very satisfying. A three-stroke lead is pretty good to carry into the last round. It will be fun playing with Chi Chi.

“Chi Chi needs something to get himself pumped up. He’s always trying something new. What is it this time, the Big Bertha?”

Actually, it was Big Bertha--a driver with a big head that has found favor with seniors--and his old-new putter, the Gyro.

Rodriguez birdied the last two holes, a 526-yard par-five and a 406-yard par-four. He hit two long drives to set up approaches for putts of eight and four feet.

“It’s the driver. She’s a nice lady. I asked my caddie how a little guy (5 feet 7, 132 pounds) could hit a ball so far. There’s people who don’t drive that far on vacations.

“At my age (56), you know I’m not going to get longer off the tee. But since I switched to Big Bertha, I have averaged 10.3 yards longer off the tee. I’m no John Daly, but I’m hitting it longer than I ever did in my life.

“I didn’t putt well yesterday, but I’ve played better each day. I’m out here to have fun.

“If I can’t win it, I hope Al does. He’s had some bad things in his life, and he deserves some good things. Maybe Lee will finish third.”

Geiberger had a chance to break it open. He played consistently and had good chances for birdies. He putted for birdie from 10 feet, from eight feet twice and missed from six feet.

His only bogey came on the sixth hole after Trevino had bogeyed the three previous holes. Both hit excellent drives, but their approach shots to the 365-yard hole sailed to the right.

Trevino had a 10-foot putt for his par and missed. Geiberger’s six-footer lipped out.

The only other player under par is defending champion Bruce Crampton, who shot a par 72 and is at 215.