On a chilly day that was even windier than the first two rounds at Sherwood Country Club, Tiger Woods managed to hold serve and stay atop the leaderboard in the $3.5 million Northwestern Mutual World Challenge in Thousand Oaks, Calif.
Coming off a second round in which he tied his own course record of 10-under 62, Woods shot an even-par 72 Saturday. The five-time winner in the event, a fundraiser for his Tiger Woods Foundation, remained at 11-under.
His 205 total is two strokes lower than third-round playing partner Zach Johnson, who also shot a 72. Woods had four birdies - including two in the final three holes - and a like number of bogeys to maintain the two-stroke lead he enjoyed entering the round.
"It was a tough day . . . the winds were coming from all over the place," Woods told reporters. "I'll try to get it done (Sunday) . . . Hopefully the wind is out of here."
Johnson carded three birdies and two bogeys through 11 holes. But the Iowan couldn't overtake Woods after encountering problems at the two tough par-3s on Sherwood's back nine - Nos. 12 and 15, which he both double-bogeyed. His tee shot on the 192-yard 15th found a creek.
But the 2007 Masters champion also carded three birdies on the home half to earn a repeat pairing with the tournament host in the final round.
Four behind Woods is Bubba Watson, who carded a 3-under 69, while seven back is the normally steady Matt Kuchar, who uncharacteristically had a 76 that included six bogeys and only two birdies.
Webb Simpson had a 69 and is at 3-under 213 heading into Sunday, and another stroke back are Jason Day (70) and two-time World Challenge winner Graeme McDowell, who posted a 75.
Jim Furyk and Bill Haas both carded 74s to share eighth at 1-under 215. Rounding out the leaderboard in the 18-player field are Ian Poulter, who carded a 73 and is at even-par 216, and Rory McIlroy, who fired Saturday's low round of 68 and is now tied for 11th with Keegan Bradley (75) at 218.
Hunter Mahan rebounded from an 8-over 80 Friday with a 72 to rise into 13th place at 222. Another stroke back are Lee Westwood (74), Steve Stricker (74) and Jason Dufner (78).
Dustin Johnson got off to a rotten start in the event with rounds of 74 and 79, but carded a 72 to get to 9-over 225. 2013 PGA Tour Rookie of the Year, Jordan Spieth, has posted a 72 and two 77s to fall to the bottom of the board at 10-over 226.
0 comments:
Post a Comment