Funk, seeking a wire-to-wire victory on one of his favorite courses, shot a 4-under-par 68 for a one-stroke lead over Glasson in the $1.5 million Buick Challenge.

Glasson fired his second consecutive 65 for a 17-under 199 total to stay close to Funk, the 1995 winner and 1996 runner-up. Glasson admitted it would be tough to catch the 10-year tour veteran Funk.

"It's like Fred and the rest of us. I think we're all just playing to see who gets second place," Glasson said.

"I don't think anybody can catch Fred. He's so at home here. It's like his home field and the rest of us are on the road."

Funk, who opened with rounds of 63 and 67 on the 7,057-yard Mountain View course at the Callaway Gardens resort, isn't listening.

"No. I don't think he's conceding. It's definitely a smoke screen," said Funk, who admitted that the course is one of his favorites on the tour.

"I would have liked to have had a bigger separation. You can't have a big enough lead. Bill can say that, but deep down all those guys that are even at 12-13 under believe they have a chance."

J.L. Lewis was three strokes back after a 66.

Steve Elkington, also with a 66, and rookie of the year contender Steve Flesch were next at 202. Flesch, who was second, three strokes behind Funk entering today's play, had a 69.

Neil Lancaster and Jim Carter, who was the opening round co-leader with Funk, were at 203. Lancaster had a 66 and Carter a 69.

Leading money-winner David Duval was six shots behind Funk at 204 after a 70, tied with D.A. Weibring, who had a 71.

Funk, 30th on the money list with $825,000, led by three strokes entering the day and at one point had a four-stroke lead after 12 holes over Glasson, who closed the gap with birdies on Nos. 14-16.

"I made the seven birdies, but I made some boo-boos, too," Funk said.

Funk held the lead despite a bogey on No. 16 and pars on his last two holes.

Glasson, beset by medical problems the last few years, is making only his 10th start of the year. He has made the cut in seven and earned $238,131 -- 111th on the money list -- with a tie for fifth in the Bell South Classic his best effort.

Glasson, who has seven career wins and won more than $4.4 million, had an eagle on the par-5, 508-yard second hole and added five birdies in his round seeking the $270,000 first prize.

Funk, who has five tour victories, including the Deposit Guaranty Classic this year, considered withdrawing prior to Thursday's opening round when his back stiffened up, but after being worked on by a physical therapist, it has not bothered him since.

The field has 19 of the top 30 money-winners, including Vijay Singh, the PGA champion, and defending champion Davis Love. Both shot 70s and were at 209. Hal Sutton, who won the Texas Open last week, opened with a par 72 before a 66 Friday and a 67 today for a 205 total.

DIVOTS: Funk leads the PGA tour in third-round scoring with a stroke-average of 68.9. ... Georgia Tech's Matt Kuchar, the only amateur in the field, shot a 73 for a 4-under 212 total. Kuchar, the low amateur in The Masters, said he had had his "C game for a month now" and is going to "give it one more day then give it a rest for a while."

Third Round Scores

Second Round

First Round