Gary Woodland was one of several players who took a run at the lead in round three of the 21st Hero World Challenge, and at the end of the day it was the reigning U.S. Open champion who held it.
Woodland capped a 4-under-par 68 by making birdies on the last two holes for the second straight day and took a one-stroke lead over Henrik Stenson heading into the final round at Albany Golf Club https://www.albanybahamas.com in New Providence, Bahamas.
“It was a nice finish, same as I did yesterday,” said Woodland, who like much of the field will be playing on Captain Tiger Woods’ United States Presidents Cup Team nest week in Australia. “I played well today, pretty solid, and I’m looking forward to tomorrow.
“I put a lot of work in last week, obviously looking forward to next week. But I have a big day ahead tomorrow. I have to make some putts and have fun out there.”
Woodland, who shared the first round lead at 66, made his only bogey of round three at No. 12 and recorded a 54-hole total of 13-under 203.
Stenson made three birdies down the stretch and held the lead until driving into a fairway bunker and making his only bogey of the day on the last hole of another 68.
Tournament host Woods, who collected four birdies on the back nine, and Justin Thomas both shot 67 and are two shots back in a tie for third with defending champion Jon Rahm of Spain, who finished at 69.
“The first day it was windy and difficult, and I didn’t finish well,” said Woods, who has won his tournament a record five times. “But I’m starting to get familiar with the golf course and the last two days have been better.
“I missed some putts and left a few out there, so I’m still behind by two at the end of the day, so I have some work to do tomorrow. I’m going to have to make some birdies.”
Patrick Reed, who had at least a share of the lead after each of the first two rounds, was assessed a two-stroke penalty for inadvertently moving sand from behind his golf ball in a bunker on the 11th hole, and is three down in solo sixth after what wound up as a 74.
Rickie Fowler of Murrieta, who won the Hero in 2017, carded a 72 and is seven shots behind in a tie for seventh with Justin Rose of England, who had a 71, and Chez Reavie, who finished at 69.
Matt Kuchar and Kevin Kisner both posted 70s and are one more down in a tie for 10th.
Jordan Spieth, who won the tournament in 2014, is 14th in the 18-man field after a 69, and 2015 champ Bubba Watson shot 71 is tied for 15th.
For complete results, visit https://www.pgatour.com/competition/2020/hero-world-challenge/leaderboard.html
