Thu Nov 15 15:43:01 2007

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Rhoden shares lead at Champions Q-School

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Coral Springs, FL (Sports Network) - Rick Rhoden shot an even-par 72 on Thursday to remain on top of the leaderboard at the Champions Tour National Qualifying Tournament Finals.

Rhoden, the former major league pitcher who has formed a new identity as a very good golfer, made three birdies, a bogey and a double-bogey in the third round at TPC Eagle Trace. He has held at least a share of the lead after all three rounds.

Jack Ferenz fired a three-under 69 and Scott Masingill had a two-under 70 to tie Rhoden for the lead at six-under 210.

The tournament, which followed four days of regional qualifying at four sites around the country, ends with the final round on Friday.

The low 30 players and ties will have a chance to Monday qualify for nine spots in full-field Champions Tour events in 2008. The top 30 and ties will also receive a portion of the $200,000 prize purse.

Thomas E. Jones and Mike Goodes both shot rounds of 69 on Thursday to move one shot behind the co-leaders at five-under 211. Rick Karbowski (71) and Mark Balen (72) were another stroke further back at four-under 212.

Thirty-two players were one-over par or better after the round.

Rhoden, 54, made three birdies on the front nine Thursday and was alone in the lead at nine-under par around the turn. But a bogey at the par-five 15th and a double-bogey at the par-four 18th dropped him into a share of first place.

His best career finish on the Champions Tour was a tie for fifth place at the Allianz Championship in 2003. He made one cut in two starts on the Champions Tour in 2007.

Ferenz, who finished in the top 50 six times in 2007, made three birdies in a bogey-free round Thursday. Masingill had four birdies and a double-bogey at the par-five fifth hole.