GOLF ROUNDUP : Things Go Right for Azinger, Who Leads by 3

“The Thing” was just the thing for Paul Azinger in the third round of the season-ending Tour Championship at Pinehurst, N.C.

The ugly putter, which Azinger likened to a fishing lure, was efficient enough to open up a three-shot lead over John Huston going into today’s final round of the $2-million tournament at Pinehurst, N.C..

“I’ll probably go with it again tomorrow,” Azinger said after a solid, two-under-par 69 on the famed No. 2 course at Pinehurst.

But, still concerned with his putting, he’s far from certain he will continue to use the cigar-shaped instrument borrowed from a neighbor last week.

“I’m not married to it,” Azinger said. “I’ve had four or five three-putts this week. I’m not putting bad, but I’m not putting great.”

Azinger is trying to extend to six years the tour’s longest current streak of at least one victory a season. He says his three-stroke advantage, at eight-under 205, is far from secure against Huston, who shot a 70.

“This is the hardest golf course I’ve ever played. Three strokes can go like that,” Azinger said.

Dan Forsman held third at 210, five shots off the pace, after a 72.

While the leaders were looking at the $360,000 first prize, Fred Couples virtually assured himself of PGA player of the year, the Vardon Trophy (for scoring average) and the money-winning title.

Couples, who led all three races coming into this concluding event, put an eagle-birdie-birdie finish on a round of 66--by three strokes the best of the chilly, cloudy, windy day.

His pursuers in the races for those titles failed to make a move and remained in a group with Couples well back in the field of only the top 30 money-winners of the year.

None appeared to have a chance of the victory they would need to overtake Couples in the various standings.

Couples came from last and moved into a tie for 23rd at 217.

Dave Stockton birdied four of the first six holes and shot a seven-under-par 64 for a three-shot lead after two rounds of the $500,000 Kaanapali Classic at Hawaii.

Stockton started the day two shots behind after opening with a 67, but his two-round total of 11-under 131 put him three strokes ahead of Tommy Aaron (67-67), Dale Douglass (68-66) and Mike Hill (69-65).

Dick Hendrickson, Al Geiberger, George Archer and Dick Goetz are four back at 135.