Golf

Harrington makes his move with 65 in Memphis

Dubliner six shots behind rookie Stefani at St Jude Classic

Pádraig Harrington in action at the St Jude Classic in Memphis, Tennessee. Photograph: Andy Lyons/Getty Images
Pádraig Harrington in action at the St Jude Classic in Memphis, Tennessee. Photograph: Andy Lyons/Getty Images
Sun Jun 09 2013 - 12:48

Pádraig Harrington carded eight birdies in a five-under-par third round of 65 to move into the top 10 at the St Jude Classic in Memphis, Tennessee.

The Dubliner also carded three bogeys in his round to move into a tie for eighth spot on six under alongside the American duo of Ryan Palmer and Roberto Castro.

PGA Tour rookie Shawn Stefani rebounded superbly from a quadruple-bogey seven at the 11th to move to 12 under and edge one stroke clear of playing partner Harris English.

Seeking his first victory on the US circuit, American Stefani piled up eight birdies on the way to a four-under-par 66 on a warm day at the TPC Southwind, picking up four shots in his last five holes.

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Compatriot English, who had been two strokes in front of the chasing pack overnight in pursuit of his maiden PGA Tour title, rolled in a 14-footer to birdie the last for a 69 to secure outright second place.

“It’s funny, I actually hit a good shot,” Stefani, 31, told Golf Channel about his tee shot at the par-three 11th which ended up in water. “I just pulled the wrong club with the wrong wind. It happens. But it was a good day and I played good. It actually helped to have Harris along because he’s a great young player and we have a lot of similarities in our lives and stuff. I had a great time with him and I’m looking forward to it tomorrow.”

Another rookie, Patrick Reed, fired the day’s lowest score, a six-birdie 64 lifting him into a tie for third at eight under with fellow Americans Nicholas Thompson (66) and Scott Stallings (67).

Four-times Major champion Phil Mickelson also mounted a charge, a 65 putting him at seven under alongside rookie Eric Meierdierks (66).

“I’ve played better each round and I’m encouraged by that,” Mickelson said after mixing an eagle at the par-five third with six birdies and three bogeys. “I could really get some glimpses of my game getting where I want it.

“Hopefully, I’ll put together a really low round (on Sunday) and catch the leaders.”

Harrington's group were a stroke better than Englishman Ian Poulter and defending champion Dustin Johnson, who returned matching 68s.