Inspired by Blackhawks, Garrigus take lead

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - Robert Garrigus is taking inspiration for his own game from his beloved Chicago Blackhawks.

"I figured . . . if the Blackhawks can win the Stanley Cup, I can win a PGA Tour event," Garrigus said. "I kept thinking about the Blackhawks all day."

Still recovering from a bout of food poisoning, Garrigus got hot with his short putter and shot 4-under-par 66 Saturday to break out of a pack and grab a two-stroke lead after three rounds at a steamy St. Jude Classic.

It's the first time the 32-year-old pro has led a PGA Tour event by himself, and he surged to the top with four birdies and an eagle against two bogeys to reach 11-under 199.

Garrigus said he usually looks at leader boards too much.

"I took a peek on No. 11, saw that I was right there near the lead or maybe birdied to take the lead or something like that. I just put it out of my head," Garrigus said. "After that, I really didn't look. I didn't know what anybody was doing behind me. I was just concentrating on my game, which I should probably do tomorrow."

U.S. takes Curtis Cup lead

A day after a shaky start, the United States swept all six matches at the Curtis Cup to take an 8 1/2-3 1/2 lead over Great Britain and Ireland at Essex County Club in Manchester-by-the-Sea, Mass.

Alexis Thompson, yet to lose a match, teamed with Jessica Korda to beat Danielle McVeigh and Leona Maguire, 3 and 1, in the afternoon foursomes. The 15-year-old Thompson, expected to turn pro soon, consistently outdrove her opponents by 30 yards or more.

The visitors led all three afternoon matches early on the second day of the biennial competition at Essex County Club. Americans Jennifer Song and Kimberly Kono birdied the 13th, 16th and 17th holes on the back nine to come from behind and beat Hannah Barwood and Holly Clyburn, 3 and 1. Tiffany Lua and Jennifer Johnson won the 14th, 15th and 16th holes and beat Sally Watson and Rachel Jennings, 3 and 2. - AP