Through 54 holes at one of golf's most storied sites, Pat Perez has performed like a veteran, not a rookie.
There is the PGA Tour's twin piqued, Pat Perez and Woody Austin, who have a history of acting out on the course.
Pat Perez (20 under) shot 70 and kept the lead, increasing his chances of earning his first Tour card.
He shot a final-round 71 to finish tied for third with Pat Perez (71) and Jim Furyk (72) at 283.
Pat Perez and Ian Leggett were nine under, and Jerry Kelly was eight under.
Merrick earned his best result on tour to date at the 2009 Bob Hope Classic, finishing 2nd by three strokes to Pat Perez.
The Stanford sophomore birdied three straight holes on the back nine in bettering the course record of 68 matched on Wednesday by Arizona State's Pat Perez.
On the PGA Tour, Pat Perez is known for his outbursts, not for his winning touch.
Pat Perez was so sick Wednesday, he almost withdrew from this week's tournament.
He is friends with fellow PGA Tour professionals Charley Hoffman and Pat Perez.