Prayad takes lead in first PGA Championship

BLOOMFIELD HILLS: Thailand’s Prayad Marksaeng is making the most of his maiden PGA Championship appearance. Prayad, who is the top money earner on the Japan Golf Tour this season, wasted no time picking up where he left off in Saturday’s third round of the final major of the 2008 season. Prayad rolled in five birdies through his first 11 holes Saturday to rocket up the leaderboard at the 7.5 million dollar tournament. “My confidence has been building over the last few days,” Prayad said as he relaxed in the Oakland Hills Country Club clubhouse during a lengthy rain delay. “Now I know more about the layout of this course and what clubs to use so I feel more comfortable out there.” The 42-year-old Prayad registered birdies on the second and fourth hole then posted three straight birdies beginning on the ninth hole to move to four-under on the day. He made the cut by shooting 76 and 70 in the first two rounds. Prayad lives in the quiet seaside town of Hua Hin, south of Bangkok. His first club was a bamboo stick fashioned together by a piece of scrap metal. This is his first appearance in the PGA Championship so he is making the most of it. “I was very focused out there,” said Prayad. “I certainly can’t complain.” Prayad already has two wins on the Asia Golf Tour this year, capturing the Mitsubishi Diamond Cup and Mizuno Open. He said this is the most productive stretch of his career since turning pro in 1991. afp