Charles Howell III has never felt more prepared to win the Sony Open after devoting his offseason to putting.
His work paid off on Saturday when he birdied his last two holes for a 5-under 65, giving him a one-shot lead over Luke Donald going into the final round.
Still in the mix with the biggest smile at Waialae was 16-year-old Tadd Fujikawa, the pint-sized sophomore from Honolulu who delivered more surprises. A day after becoming the youngest player in 50 years to make the cut on the PGA Tour, he shot another 66 and was tied for eighth, six shots behind.
"I don't have anything to lose right now," Fujikawa said.
Big things were expected of Howell when he was rookie of the year in 2001. But the victories dried up as his technically sound game was held back by poor putting.
He took only 25 putts in the third round, ranks second in the tournament in putting and was at a 13-under 197.
Donald had a chance to join him with a long eagle putt on the last hole, but it stayed left of the cup. He shot a 69 and was scheduled to be paired with Howell in the final group yesterday.
Paul Goydos was in control until missing a 2m birdie putt on the 12th that would have given him a two-shot lead. He took consecutive bogeys down the stretch and wound up to finish at 11-under 199.
Steve Stricker (67) and Ted Purdy (66) were another shot back.
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