Bernhard Langer holds eight-stroke lead at Senior British Open

Bernhard Langer stretched his lead to eight strokes Saturday in the Senior British Open, shooting a 3-under 68 at Royal Porthcawl to reach 14-under 199.

The 56-year-old German matched the Champions Tour record for the largest 54-hole lead in a 72-hole event set by Jack Nicklaus in the 1991 Senior PGA. At 14 under, Langer also tied the tournament 54-hole record set by Carl Mason at 14-under 196 in 2003 at Turnberry.

After opening with rounds of 65 and 66 to open a seven-stroke lead, Langer had four birdies and a bogey in the round. He settled for a birdie on the par-5 18th after missing an eagle chance from 10 feet. He dropped his only shot on the par-4 10th.

“I played very nicely, got off to a good start,” Langer said. “Then I maybe played a little safe for a couple of holes. … I had a good touch, hit a couple of good trick shots toward the end, and drove the ball very well, hit some amazing straight drives and long drives. I mean the one on 18 I can’t believe how far I went, but that’s how it is right now. It’s very bouncy and firm.”

Langer won the 2010 tournament at Carnoustie and lost in a playoff last year at Royal Birkdale. He also led going into the final round at Turnberry in 2012, only to fade on the final day.

“It’s very exciting,” Langer said. “The only major European senior golf, and it’s a beautiful trophy. It’s a great title, and yeah, it would be very exciting to win a second one.”

Langer won the Senior Players Championship last month for his third senior major victory and has three Champions Tour wins this year to push his career total to 21.

Canada’s Rick Gibson was second after a 66. American Bob Tway was 5 under after a 66.

Americans Tom Watson and Scott Dunlap and England’s Chris Williams were tied for fourth at 4 under, and Scotland’s Colin Montgomerie, American Fred Couples and England’s Barry Lane were 3 under.

Jim Furyk leads at Canadian Open

Jim Furyk moved into position for his third Canadian Open victory, shooting a 5-under 65 to take a three-stroke lead at Royal Montreal.

The 44-year-old Furyk, the 2006 winner at Hamilton and 2007 champion at Angus Glen, had a 15-under 195 total after opening with rounds of 67 and 63. He won the last of his 16 PGA Tour titles in 2010.

South Africa’s Tim Clark was second after a 64 on the tree-lined Blue Course. Kyle Stanley had a 68 to reach 10 under, and Jamie Lovemark was another stroke back after a 67.

Graham DeLaet, trying to become the first Canadian winner in the event in 60 years, was tied for fifth at 8 under after a 70.