Charles Howell III has had a fine PGA Tour career, although he knows he should have more than two victories, but he’s trying to change that.
The 39-year-old Howell carded a second straight bogey-free, 8-under-par 64 to build a three-stroke lead over Jason Gore and rookie Cameron Champ in the RSM Classic, final event of the Fall portion of the wrap-around season, at Sea Island Resort https://www.seaisland.com/golf in Sea Island, Fla.
“I’ve almost done everything in my career, but playing with a lead isn’t one thing I’ve really done a whole lot,” said Howell, whose last victory came in the 2007 Nissan Open at Riviera Country Club near Los Angeles.
“I could talk to you about finishing second or third a lot. As many golf tournaments as I’ve played, this is still relatively new for me. I don’t really get nervous. Sometimes I’ll jump ahead of myself and I get a bit excited or try too hard at times.”
Howell, who has made more than $35 million in his career, recorded a 36-hole total of 14-under 128.
Gore, from Valencia and Pepperdine, birdied the last four holes in a brilliant 63 although he says he has been in semi-retirement, while Champ, from Sacramento and winner of the Sanderson Farms Championship three weeks ago, also birdied the last four in his own 63.
Nick Watney of Davis and Fresno State is four shots back in solo fourth after a 67 that included three straight birdies at the finish, while Ryan Blaum shot 65 and is one more down in a tie for fifth with David Hearn (66) of Canada and southpaw Brian Harman (68).
Graeme McDowell of Northern Ireland totaled 68 and is seven strokes behind in a tie for eighth with Brice Garnett, who had a 65, while Ernie Els of South Africa finished at 66 and is in a huge tie for 10th with Lucas Glover (67), Brian Gay (67), Webb Simpson (68), Zach Johnson (66), Chase Wright (69), Derek Fathauer (68), Sean O’Hair (65), Corey Conners (67) of Canada, Anders Albertson (66) and amateur Garrett Barber (66).
Tournament host Davis Love III shot 71 and is tied for 31st, while defending champion Austin Cook stumbled to a 73 and is tied for 49th.
The final two rounds will be played on the Seaside Course after each player in the field alternated between the Plantation Course and the Seaside the first two days.
For complete results, visit https://www.pgatour.com/competition/2019/the-rsm-classic/leaderboard.html
