SPANISH FORK — Strong morning winds and firm greens didn't do much Saturday to prevent some low scoring at the Spanish Oaks Open.
Heading into today's final round, Riverside assistant pro Chris Moody holds a one-shot lead over Dixie State amateur Andrew Barton and a two-shot margin over former Spanish Oaks pro Roy Christensen.
Moody, the 2007 national assistants champion, didn't show any partiality to either side — firing a 4-under 32 on each for an 8-under 64. In a bogeyless round, Moody had birdies on holes No. 2, 5, 8 and 9 on the front. On the back, he birdied Nos. 11, 14, 15 and 17. Only one of those birdies came on a par five.
In shooting his 65, Barton made birdie on his first four holes. After making a bogey on the par-4 sixth, he came back with an eagle on the short par-4 ninth. He then added two birdies over his final eight holes. For the day, Barton had three 2s on his card.
Christensen, in shooting 66, had five birdies for a front-side 31. His 35 on the back included three birdies and two bogeys.
Also in the hunt with a first-round 68 are Dave DeSantis, Boyd Summerhays and amateur Tyson Lund. Shooting 69 were Tom Costello, Shawn Edwards, and amateurs Nick Killpack and Jon Linnett.
The pros and championship flight amateurs tee off today at 2:30 p.m.
E-mail: jimr@desnews.com