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Saturday, Jul. 11, 2009

Henley grabs three-shot lead at Georgia Amateur

Russell Henley carded his third consecutive sub-70 round by firing a 4-under-par 67 on Saturday to take a three-shot lead heading into the final round of the Georgia Amateur Championship at the Country Club of Columbus.

Henley will try to become the first player in 25 years to successfully defend his state amateur championship after winning last year at Idle Hour Club.

The University of Georgia sophomore moved to 12 under for the tournament, three shots ahead of UGA teammate and 2007 champion Harris English. Two-time Georgia Mid-Amateur champion Jeff Knox will also be in the final group after a 67 got him within four shots of Henley. The trio played together in last year’s third round. Henley played with Knox the first two days of this year’s tournament, while English was grouped with Knox on Saturday.

Henley birdied four of his first six holes Saturday but had to grind during his final nine to stay at 4 under for the round. He had difficult par saves at the final two holes that followed a short par putt on No. 16 and a 30-foot birdie on No. 15.

David Noll Jr. and Michael Green, Henley’s playing companions Saturday, are five shots back. No oher golfers are within eight shots of the lead.

Bleckley County’s Joe Young shot a 68 on Saturday to get to even par for the tournament and into a tie for 11th.

The final group will tee off at 10:20 a.m.