Matt Every takes 1-stroke lead in season-ending Nationwide Tour Championship

Every leads Nationwide Tour finale

CHARLESTON, S.C. — Matt Every made a 15-foot birdie putt on the final hole for a 5-under 67 and a one-stroke lead Saturday over money leader Michael Sim after the third round of the season-ending Nationwide Tour Championship.

Every, 49th on the money list, is trying to move into the final top 25 — the cutoff for 2010 PGA Tour cards. The 25-year-old former University of Florida star had a 16-under 200 total on the Daniel Island Club’s Ralston Creek Course to put himself in position to take the $180,000 first-place check.

“A win this week would cover up a lot,” said Every, who shot a course-record 63 on Friday. “If I win here it might get me to around 10th on the money list. I don’t think there are 10 guys out here better than me, but there are definitely 10 guys that have played better than me this year.”

Sim, a three-time winner who has earned a tour-record $536,142, shot a 67.

“I played much better than yesterday after working hard on the driving range last night,” Sim said. “I played great for the first 12 holes, I gave myself a lot of chances. The only long putt I made was on No. 17, so I feel great about today’s round.”

Steve Wheatcroft (65) was three strokes back at 13 under, Cameron Percy (70) was 12 under, and Esteban Toledo (67) and Josh Teater (69) were another stroke back.

Wheatcroft is 31st on the money list.

“I don’t want to think about where I have to finish or what I have to shoot,” Wheatcroft said. “I’m trying to win this week. If I win this tournament, then chances are I’ll be fine with the PGA Tour card. If I don’t get it done, hopefully I finish high enough to get my card.”