Victoria’s Cory Renfrew leads Canadian Tour event in his hometown

VICTORIA – Cory Renfrew shot 4-under 66 on Saturday to take a three shot lead after three rounds at the Canadian Tour’s Times Colonist Island Savings Open.

The Victoria native is 9 under after three rounds. Derek Gillespie (71) of Oshawa, Ont., Jeff Rengel (66) and Brazil’s Lucas Lee (70) sit tied for second at 6 under after a windy day at Uplands Golf Course.

“I did a good job accounting for the wind today,” said Renfrew, who carded five birdies and one bogey. “It was definitely tough today especially when you have to aim at targets that you aren’t used to aiming at but overall I did a good job hitting low shots and adjusting to the conditions.”

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Renfrew is looking to become the first player from Victoria to win the tournament and just the fourth Vancouver Island native to win on the Canadian Tour since 1986.

Jim Rutledge was the closest to winning in his hometown when he finished in third in 2008. Along with Rutledge, Rick Gibson and Sandy Harper are the only other Islanders to post Canadian Tour victories.

“I didn’t necessarily expect to be in this position but I’m glad I am,” Renfrew said. “I’ve been feeding off the crowd this week and I’m excited for (Sunday).”

Gillespie, who had the overnight lead at 7 under par, struggled to make the putts all day, including a four-footer on 18.

“I was just kind of wanting to make that putt. I thought it was moving both ways and I just missed it,” said Gillespie, who is playing the 2012 season on a medical exemption after suffering serious injuries in an automobile accident in April 2011. “I’m happy with how I hung in there today. I hit some decent shots and when it’s blowing like that it’s hard to hit to the ball close and there is still a lot of golf to be played.”

Matt Jager, the 2010 Aussie and New Zealand Amateur Champion, had the round of the day with a 5 under 65. The 23-year-old, playing in his first Canadian Tour event, moved into contention at 4 under par despite starting the day eight shots off the pace.