The 66-year-old Merhar, who won this event in 1998, posted four birdies and three bogies today and is the only player to be under par over the challenging, 6,531-yard Zaharias Course. Should he hold on tomorrow, Merhar’s 10-year span between victories would be the longest in tournament history.

Carver, a three-time and the defending SCGA Super Senior Amateur champion, had four birdies, two bogeys and a double-bogey 7 on the 18th hole (his ninth today) to finish at even par. At age 72, Carver, who lost in a playoff to Rich Tolly last year, could become the oldest winner if he can rally tomorrow. Earlier this year, he teamed with Brian Edick to finish runner-up in the SCGA Foursomes Championship at Rancho San Marcos GC.

The 56-year-old Heath played the steadiest golf all day, posting just one birdie and one bogey en route to his even-par round of 71.

Chip Bridges of Encinitas posted a 1-over-par 72 today and sits in fourth place, a shot ahead of seven golfers who shot 73, including Tolly, who will try to become the fourth golfer in 31 years to win back-to-back titles.