THE CANADIAN PRESS
SANTEE, Calif. — David Hahn shot a 2-under par 70 on Thursday for a two-stroke lead over fellow Americans Brock Mackenzie and Aaron Goldberg after three rounds of the Canadian Tour’s California Qualifying School.
Hahn is at 6 under par 210 after three trips around the Carlton Oaks layout.
Goldberg was tied with Hahn until two closing bogeys dropped him to an even par 72.
Mackenzie shot a bogey-free 69.
Alone in fourth at four under par 216 is Vancouver’s Dean Kennedy who shot 71 while the American duo of Brad Ward (69) and Korey Storer (70) are tied for fifth at 218.
Ezequiel Reyna (71), Michael O’Neal (72) and New Westminster, B.C., native Hansol Koh (75) are tied for seventh at 219.
Sitting in non-exempt spots at 220 are Ryan Plitz of Innisfail, Alta., (73) and David Jackson (75) while Calgary’s Mark Rice (74), Greg Machtaler (72), Jesse Barnsley (70) and Erik Olsen (76) are at 222.
Hahn turned in 33 with four birdies and a bogey on his card but says he played better on the inward nine where he went one over.
"I was hitting the ball more solidly as the round went on," Hahn explained. "What got me on the back nine was my putting. I was hitting the edges and not making anything.
"Based on how I played today, the 70 I shot was the worst score I could have shot."
Mackenzie was one of the Canadian Tour’s best players three years ago but hit a few bumps last year.
"I played out here in 2005 and 2006 and then went to the Nationwide Tour," said Mackenzie. "I had a good year in ’07 on the Nationwide, but played really poorly last year. When that happens, you lose confidence in your game.
"Coming back here gives me a place to play and a new start. I’ve been playing a lot better lately and winning out here this year would give my confidence a great jumpstart."