The US’ Bubba Watson carded a flawless course record-equaling nine-under-par 63 and stormed to a two-stroke lead over England’s Paul Casey after the third round at the Hero World Challenge in the Bahamas on Saturday.
The dual Masters champion, boosted by an early eagle, added seven birdies to post a 19-under 197 total at Albany Golf Club in New Providence.
Watson was caught by surprise by his eagle, with a seven-iron from 169 yards at the par-four fourth. He yelled at his ball to get “down” as it flew through the air, and it obeyed nicely, landing some 45.72cm in front of the cup and bouncing in.
Photo: AFP
In the field as an alternate after Australian Jason Day withdrew, Watson is in a prime position to win, though his record in closing the deal is not exactly comparable with tournament host Tiger Woods.
Watson has won only twice out of nine times on the PGA Tour when holding the lead or a share of the lead through 54 holes, while the third-round leader has won the World Challenge only three times in the last 11 seasons.
“It was a good day,” Watson told reporters. “The key for me around this golf course, I think for everybody, though, as we’re seeing, when there’s no wind, light wind, we can score. We’re all good players, don’t get me wrong. We’re all top 50 in the world, but with no wind, this golf course is a little bit easier to make birdies.”
Second-placed Casey, who earlier set the record mark with a 63 of his own, moved into second place on 17-under, with Americans Patrick Reed and Chris Kirk another shot behind.
World No.1 Jordan Spieth, who held a share of the halfway lead, carded 68 to slip four shots behind.
The US$3.5 million tournament, which comprises an exclusive 18-man field, offers world ranking points, though it is not an official PGA Tour event.
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