Perry, Inspired By Funk's Win, Builds a Lead

PONTE VEDRA BEACH | Kenny Perry went to the PGA Tour's weekly Bible study in the home of Fred Funk, and if the message was about storing up treasures in heaven, the 47-year-old Perry found inspiration from a more tangible prize.

Three years ago, Funk won The Players Championship at 48, making him the oldest winner of this prestigious event. Perry snooped around the house and found the crystal trophy, rubbing his hands on it.

"I got a good look at his trophy," Perry said Friday. "That guy inspired me."

In demanding conditions on the scary Stadium Course - wind that gusted to 35 mph and temperatures that pushed 90 - Perry kept his wits and his patience on his way to a 2-under 70 to build a one-shot lead.

It was the kind of day that can turn hair gray, not that the leaders needed any help.

Bernhard Langer - who also was at Funk's house on Wednesday night - raced up the leaderboard with a 67 and will play with Perry in the final pairing today, two guys who are a combined 97 years old.

Langer thought about withdrawing Thursday morning when he felt pain in his lower back, which caused his groin and left knee to ache, along with his left shoulder.

Paul Goydos, 43, also was one shot behind, although he didn't attribute his fine play to experience.

"I'm more journeyman than veteran," said Goydos, who has won only twice in his 15 years on tour.

Crashing the party - naptime might be more apropos - was Sergio Garcia, the 28-year-old Spaniard whose driving was as spectacular as his putting was atrocious. Garcia hit all 14 fairways, missed only three greens and took 33 putts on his way to a 73.

Perry didn't do anything spectacular. He made birdies on a pair of the par 5s, a 12-foot birdie putt on No. 1 and a hybrid that rolled into a tough lie on the bunker at the downwind, par-3 eighth, leading to his only bogey. Nerves were tough to control, however, in steady 20 mph that gusted and swirled through the pines and made every shot a challenge even on the few holes that have no water hazards.

"It was the kind of day where you could shoot a big number in a hurry," Perry said. "You're at the mercy of the wind. It was hard to ever feel comfortable on any tee shot."

Anthony Kim said he hit the ball better than he has in his last six rounds for a 70. Kim won last week at the Wachovia Championship by setting a tournament record.

Kim was at 4-under 140 and will get another round with Boo Weekley, who shot 71 and was at 141. Weekley brought some levity on an otherwise grim day at No. 8, when they stooped to inspect a turtle. Kim was lightly touching the shell when Weekley screamed out, making Kim nearly jump out of his shoes.

"I think that's why we probably both missed those 5-footers on that hole," Kim said.