"Steve Allan Takes the Lead at Galleri Classic with Impressive 7-Under-Par 65"

Australia's Steve Allan shot a 7-under-par 65 on Saturday at Mission Hills Country Club to take a one-shot lead going into the final round of the Galleri Classic in Rancho Mirage, California.

The 51-year-old Allan, who was able to play in the tournament because Steve Stricker withdrew due to a back injury, matched his best score on the Champions Tour and is now in a good position to win his first title on this tour. Allan gave credit to fellow Australian Cameron Percy, who was tied for the lead after the first round, for helping him this week.

"It's great to be hitting the ball well," Allan said. "I had a good first round last week, but as the wind picked up, I struggled with it. I made some adjustments this week and got a tip from Cameron Percy, which really helped. I've been hitting the ball really well, so even though the wind was picking up, I was more confident than I was last week."

Allan holds a one-shot lead over Tag Ridings, who tied the tournament record with a 9-under 63. This record was set last year by Ricardo Gonzalez. Neither Allan nor Ridings have a permanent spot on the Champions Tour, so they have extra motivation going into the final round.

"It's a big confidence boost to shoot a 63," said Ridings, who earned a spot in the tournament through the open qualifier on Tuesday. "But out here, having status is more important than confidence. My goal is to have a good round tomorrow and hopefully earn a spot on the tour. Every step up the ladder is a big deal."

Ridings, who is playing in his second Champions Tour event, is one shot ahead of Steven Alker from New Zealand, Cameron Percy from Australia, and Jason Caron. They are all at 8-under-par, with Alker matching Allan's 65.

First-round co-leader Bernhard Langer fell four shots behind after shooting a 1-under 71, following his impressive first-round 67 (which matched his age). Miguel Angel Jimenez also had a great round, shooting a 7-under 65 to recover from his first-round 73 and pull within four shots of the lead.

"I finished like a pure black horse instead of a donkey," Jimenez joked.

Defending champion Retief Goosen from South Africa is currently tied for 16th at 4-under-par.

Rocco Mediate and Mark Calcavecchia both withdrew from the tournament due to injuries, the tour announced.