Levin extends lead at Phoenix Open

8:14 PM, Feb 4, 2012   |    comments
  • Share
  • Email
  • Print
  • - A A A +

Scottsdale, AZ (Sports Network) - Spencer Levin didn't have the kind of big performance he put together during his first two days at the Phoenix Open, but avoided big mistakes Saturday and emerged with a commanding lead.

Levin shot a three-under 68 during his third round at the TPC Scottsdale to move to 17-under-par 196. He had posted 65 and 63 for his first two rounds, and had only one bogey Saturday to protect his lead.

The 27-year-old is now on track for his first PGA Tour victory, six shots ahead of Webb Simpson, who made a run on the back nine. He threatened to get within three shots at one point, but couldn't sink a key birdie putt at 16. An ill-timed bogey at No. 17 dropped Simpson further back, and he finished with a 68 to move to 11-under.

Bubba Watson (67) and John Huh (69) are tied for third, one shot behind Simpson.

Phil Mickelson carded a four-under 67 in Saturday's third round and is tied for 10th at minus-eight.

Harrison Frazar started the day within three shots of Levin, still having to play the final three holes of his second round -- frost delays on Thursday and Friday set the tournament back.

However, Frazar played his 21 holes in four-over par to slide down a leaderboard. He posted a 73 for his third round and sits in a tie for 12th at seven-under.

MORE TO FOLLOW.

The Sports Network