McCullough Leads by Two After a 69

Mike McCullough shot a three-under-par 69 on Saturday to take a two-stroke lead over Hale Irwin and Mark James in the ACE Group Classic.

McCullough, seeking his third Champions Tour victory, had a nine-under 135 total on The Club at TwinEagles course. Irwin, the 50-and-over tour’s career victory leader with 41, shot a 70. James had a 68.

McCullough, 59, made a 35-foot birdie putt on No. 18.

“Whenever certain guys are leading, it’s kind of like everybody’s chasing them,” McCullough said. “I’m being chased right now, but I’m not on the tip of most people’s tongues. But ... they still have to chase me.

“So if I go out and play golf and they go out and play golf and the patience is still there, I think that winning another golf tournament is not out of reach.”

Curtis Strange, playing his first Champions Tour event, shot a 71. The two-time U.S. Open champion was tied for 32nd, 10 strokes back.

“I played very well and hit the ball very well,” Strange said. “I could’ve putted better. I’ve still got some work to do on all parts of my game. Obviously the score could’ve been a little better, but I’m pleased.”