Kenny Perry takes 2-stroke lead in Senior PGA, round away from first major

Kenny Perry tees off on the second hole during the third round of the Senior PGA Championship golf tournament at Bellerive Country Club, Saturday, May 25, 2013, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson) (The Associated Press)

Kenny Perry, right, is congratulated by Russ Cochran after hitting a shot out of a bunker and into the fourth hole for eagle during the third round of the Senior PGA Championship golf tournament at Bellerive Country Club, Saturday, May 25, 2013, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson) (The Associated Press)

Kenny Perry had an eagle, five birdies and four bogeys, mixing spectacular shots with stumbles and doing enough of the right things for a 3-under 68 and a two-stroke lead Saturday after the third round of the Senior PGA Championship.

The 52-year-old Perry is close to an elusive first major championship in a career known more agonizing almosts in the 2008 Masters and 1996 PGA than his 16 total tournament victories and $34 million in winnings. He was at 10 under overall at Bellerive Country Club, which held up fine after a rain delay of more than two hours before the last twosome of Perry and Russ Cochran teed off.

Two-time champion Jay Haas was second after closing with a pair of birdies for a 67. Cochran was three strokes back after rallying for two birdies on the back nine for an even-par 71, and Rod Spittle was four shots back after a 67.