Perhaps it's a little late for the intense Tom Pernice Jr. to learn patience and relaxation this deep into his PGA Tour career.

Just don't tell him that.

Holing out for eagle at the 18th yesterday, the man who first appeared here in 1986 at the old United Airlines Hawaiian Open is tied for the lead with Nathan Green entering today's third round of the Sony Open in Hawaii.

Pernice fired a 7-under 63 to catch Green at 8 under for the tournament. Not bad for the 49-year-old who is eligible for the Champions Tour in September, but wants no part of it if he can remain out here with the big boys.

He has shown he is capable of doing just that, finishing 80th on the money list last year with $1.33 million in earnings. By contrast, in 1986 he pocketed $40,172. His best tour finishes last year were four ties for eighth, including the Sony Open. In 1986, he missed the cut.

“;You know, this is as good as it gets for my family,”; Pernice said of starting the season in Hawaii. “;They are not too concerned about going to many other tournaments, other than this one, I can promise you. This is one we do not miss and I love it. I think Waialae is a great, classic, old golf course.”;

For those who have followed his career, they know his intensity is part of his makeup. He has two tour victories to his credit, the last coming in 2001, but he has 41 career top 10s, including six last year, one shy of his best of seven in 2006.

Two months ago, Pernice hooked up with Jim Fanning, a man he wouldn't call a sports psychologist, just someone to help him work on being relaxed on the golf course and take things as they come.

“;We just talked about some stuff and trying to set some goals,”; Pernice said. “;Kind of set myself straight on how to think out there and things to do. He's really been helpful and we have been spending a lot of time together.

“;I wouldn't call him that (sports psychologist), but yeah, he's been great so far. I feel good out there on the golf course. You know, it's just trying to have some fun, enjoy life a little bit. I have two wonderful girls and a wonderful wife. I need to enjoy life even when I'm trying to win out there on the golf course a little bit. I worked hard on that through the offseason and looking forward to continuing on.”;

Notables miss cut

After tying for second at last week's Mercedes-Benz Championship, Davis Love III missed the cut yesterday by a single shot at 2-over 142. Love is trying to get into the top 50 in the world so he can be eligible for the Match Play Championship that begins the last week in February. He entered the week at No. 54, but will likely drop after failing to survive through to the weekend.

Other big names who won't be playing through are Bubba Watson (142), 1999 Sony Open winner Jeff Sluman (142), Chris DiMarco (142), 2008 Mercedes winner Daniel Chopra (142), 2007 Sony Open winner Paul Goydos (143) and Notah Begay III (148), who was on the same Stanford team as Tiger Woods.

Els plays on

Two-time Sony Open winner Ernie Els isn't on too many radar screens, but the South African did make the cut at 1-over 141 with a 69 yesterday in less than ideal conditions.

His birdie at the closing hole proved to be the difference for the popular Els, who has now shot par or better in 20 of 22 rounds here, including 19 in the 60s. He is seeking his sixth top-five finish here in as many appearances.

Inside the numbers

With no bogey-free rounds after the opening day, there were three yesterday, including one by Pernice. The other two were Stewart Cink (65) and David Toms (66). Toms won this event in 2006 and is tied for 11th with Cink, Briny Baird, Wil Collins and David Mathis at 4-under 136.

Mathis, who finished 14th on the 2008 Nationwide Tour money list, shot a 68 for the second consecutive day to lead the graduating class through the first two rounds. Matt Bettencourt, the top money winner on the Nationwide Tour last year, shot a 68 yesterday to make the cut in his first career start at 1-over 141.