Kelly Has Big Matchup Today

Tiger Woods aimed the putt at the right edge of the cup and watched the ball roll 60 feet down the hill, sweeping to the left and then to the right. The roar was deafening when it dropped in for birdie.

“I really thought he made a hole in one on 17,� Jerry Kelly said. “It’s in the back of your head. You knew something was happening.�

Today in the Players Championship, Kelly might get to see for himself.

Kelly, seeking his first PGA Tour victory, handled the pressure of one of golf’s biggest tournaments like a seasoned veteran Saturday, making only a few mistakes in tough conditions for a solid round of two-under-par 70 to take a two-shot lead into the final round at Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla.

Now comes the last test--18 holes over a Stadium Course that is becoming firmer, faster and more unforgiving, while paired in the final group with golf’s best player.

“I’ve never played with him, so I don’t really care,� said Kelly, who is at 11-under 205. “Intimidating? He’s another golfer. Tiger is going to be nervous too. He hasn’t won this tournament, either.�

Woods gave himself a chance for the second consecutive year with a thrilling and adventurous round that included spectacular shots out of sand, dirt and the mangled rough, and that 60-foot birdie putt on the island-green 17th.

Despite chopping his way to bogey on the last hole, Woods had the best score of the third round in the most trying conditions, a six-under 66 that left him two strokes back along with Masters champion Vijay Singh (70).

Scott Hoch had a 71 and was another stroke back.

No one has made the Players his first tour victory. The first-place check from the $6-million purse is $1,080,000. Kelly could earn a three-year exemption to the Masters, the only major championship he has never played.

Kelly’s best finish on tour was runner-up in the 1996 Greater Milwaukee Open, where Woods made his professional debut and tied for 60th. Kelly will never forget the electricity that week, and was determined to play against him some day.

“I didn’t think he was going to do what he did. I don’t know who did, besides his father,� Kelly said of Woods, who has won 25 times on tour since then. “He’s the best player in the world. I want my game to match up, and I can’t wait.�

*

John Schroeder remained atop the leader board after the second round of the Emerald Coast Classic, a stroke ahead of fast-closing Jim Ahern, who shot a 64 at Milton, Fla.

Schroeder, seeking his first Senior PGA Tour victory in six seasons, shot a three-under 67 for an eight-under 132 total on the Scottish-style course at the Moors Golf Club.