Lucky to even get a start, Australia's Steve Allan has capitalised to hold a one-shot lead heading into the final round of the Champions Tour's Galleri Classic in Rancho Mirage, California.

The 51-year-old Allan fired a seven under par 65 at Mission Hills Country Club on Saturday - matching his lowest Champions Tour score - to get to 10-under 134 and put himself in position for his first title on the 50-and-over circuit.

Allan only got into the field because Steve Stricker withdrew on Monday due to a bad back.

He credited fellow Australian Cameron Percy, who shared the first-round lead and is now tied third, with helping him this week.

"Nice to be really striking the ball well," Allan said. "I had a good first round last week but, as the wind picked up, and it wasn't even that windy. I struggled with it last week and had a little adjustment this week. 

"I got a tip from Cameron Percy the other day, which helped, and I've been hitting the ball really well. So even though the wind was picking up, I was a bit more confident than I was last week."

Allen holds a one-shot edge over American Tag Ridings, who tied the tournament record for lowest 18-hole score with a 63. 

Neither Allan nor 50-year-old Ridings have status on the Champions Tour, so they have extra incentive Sunday.

"It's a big boost of confidence (to shoot a 63)," said Ridings, who earned a spot via Tuesday's open qualifier.

Ridings, playing his second Tour event, climbed one shot ahead of Percy (89), American Jason Caron 68) and New Zealand's Steven Alker, the reigning Charles Schwab Cup champion, who matched Allan's 65.