Trio of players share lead at Chanticleer National Senior

GREENVILLE, S.C. — Three players will enter the final round at the Chanticleer National Senior Invitational with a share of the 36-hole lead at three-over par. Michael Mercier of New York, Bill Leonard of Georgia, and Rick Cloninger of South Carolina pace the field by a shot at Greenville Country Club's Chanticleer Course. Cloninger, the opening-round leader with 68, struggled to a 79 on Thursday but will still have a good opportunity to grab the win while in Friday's final group. Leonard, of Dallas, Ga., opened with 72 and shot 75 on Thursday while Mercier, who recently captured the Lupton Memorial Invitational Senior, rebounded from 75 on Thursday when an even-par score of 72 in round two. Defending champion Steve Sharpe of Greensboro, N.C. is one of three players tied for fourth place just a stroke back of the leaders. He has rounds of 72-76 in the books, as does Charles Yandell, while Frank Ford posted opposite rounds. The 54-hole tournament was started in 2011 and is hosted at Greenville Country Club's Chanticleer Course, which is a Rees Jones design.