Erratic Steve Pate was saved by his putting, John Cook remained steady and the two Americans Saturday finished the third round of the British Open tied for second behind leader Nick Faldo.
Pate and Cook have their work cut out for them Sunday, however. Faldo leads by four strokes and shows little sign of faltering. Pate matched Faldo's 2-under-par 69 Saturday and Cook shot 1-under-70 to put the runnersup at 9-under-203 for the tournament.Pate, of Orlando, Fla., overcame five bogeys with seven birdies.
"I was glad to be done," Pate said. "Actually I dind't play too badly. I made seven birdies. As long as I make birdies I'm fine.
"This is the first time in two or three months that I have played three decent rounds in a row."
Pate had been slumping since the Masters, but shared the British Open lead after the first day before slipping four strokes behind Faldo Friday.
Cook was Faldo's playing partner Saturday, closing the gap when he eagled on the ninth with a stunning 80-foot chip.
Pate said he will not dwell on Faldo Sunday, but admitted the chances of the leader faltering are slim. "It doesn't make any difference (Faldo leading)," Pate said. "I can't do anything about what he does. He is the least likely to make mistakes and go out and shoot 74."
Cook agreed.
"Nick is playing so well you just cannot see him making bogey anywhere," he said. "I know I have to make some birdies and drive the ball a little better to have a chance to get the lead."
But he added, "Golf is such a crazy game. Nick can be beaten."