Robert Karlsson, defending champ Steve Stricker share lead at Regions Tradition

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Robert Karlsson and defending champion Steve Stricker surged into the lead Saturday at the Regions Tradition, with Karlsson shooting a 9-under 63 to match the low score since this PGA Tour Champions major moved to its current venue.

Stricker closed with four straight birdies for a 64 to match Karlsson at 16-under 200 on the Founders Course at Greystone, two shots ahead of Padraig Harrington (65).

Full-field scores from the Regions Tradition

The 56-year-old Stricker, a two-time winner at the Tradition and a four-time major champion on the over-50 tour, got up and down on the par-5 18th to cap off his birdie string and close a bogey-free round. The Charles Schwab Cup points…