Masters 2012: Peter Hanson Gets To 9 Under For Lead At Augusta National

By Eddie Pells, The Associated Press

AUGUSTA, Ga. — Peter Hanson made back-to-back birdies to close out a round of 7-under 65 and take the lead after three rounds at the Masters.

The Swede rolled in a 30-foot putt on No. 17 Saturday to move into first, then hit his approach on No. 18 to near tap-in range to get to 9-under 207.

He had a two-shot lead over Phil Mickelson and Louis Oosthuizen, who were wrapping up their rounds on a sunny day at Augusta National.

Matt Kuchar was on the course at 5 under, while Hunter Mahan, Padraig Harrington and Henrik Stenson were in the clubhouse another shot back.

Hanson, who has top-five finishes at the season's first World Golf Championship events, had only one top 10 finish in a major – seventh place at last year's U.S. Open.