SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Former Kentucky standout golfer J.B. Holmes (2002-05) continues his success in the PGA Tour, shooting a 5-under 66 to gain a two-shot lead in front of a record-breaking crowd of 170,802 Saturday, at the FBR Open in Scottsdale, Ariz.

Going into the back nine on the TPC Scottsdale course, Holmes was tied with Charles Warren, when he locked in with his short game and birdied the par-5 13th, the par-4 14th, and the par-4 15th hole to put some separation from the rest of the field. Holmes finished with an impressive eight-birdie day. He has shot a 68, 65 and 66 going into Sunday?s final round.

“It was a good day all around,” Holmes said. “I made a couple of more bogeys than I would have liked, but luckily I was making putts and made a lot of birdies today.”

Holmes kicked off his PGA career in 2006 when he won his inaugural professional tournament at the same PBR Open event he is playing in now, becoming only the ninth player in PGA history to open their tour career with a tournament victory. In 2006, he shot a 14-under par to win the event, firing his professional career-best 64 in the second round. He has also had four top-10 finishes since joining the PGA and has become a multi-million dollar earner on the tour.

Holmes stellar college career included earning All-Southeastern Conference honors in 2002, 2003 and 2004, as well as being named the SEC Golfer of the Year in 2005 after helping lead the Wildcats to a SEC Championship that year. During his time at Kentucky, Holmes was also honored as the team MVP every year of his collegiate career. While in college, Holmes was also a consistent performer in the classroom, becoming an academic All-American in 2005 and he was on the Academic All-SEC team from 2002-2005.

The final around is scheduled to begin at 12:30 P.M. (EST) and will be aired on CBS with coverage starting at 3 P.M. (EST).