Rookies lead the way in Hawaii

Last updated: 14th January 2013

Rookies Scott Langley and Russell Henley will take a three-shot lead into the final round of the Sony Open in Hawaii.

Langley led the way on the opening day at the Waialae Country Club before Henley claimed a two-shot lead on Friday evening, but the former made his move on Saturday to join his American compatriot at the top.

The duo will be the final pair to tee off on Sunday as they stand on 17-under-par 193 - a tournament record through 54 holes. They also have a chance to become the first rookies to win in their PGA Tour debut since Garrett Willis at the 2001 Tucson Open.

Starting the day two shots behind, Langley made six birdies on the first 13 holes to edge ahead before a bogey on the 14th brought him level with his playing partner again.

However, he regained the lead with another birdie on the next hole and finished with a five-under 65 while Henley two-putted from 30 feet for birdie on the last hole to finish with a three-under.

"Whatever happens tomorrow, I'm going to learn from it," Henley said.

"I've played great golf and I feel like I can compete out here. Win this tournament or not, it's already been a very successful week."

Tim Clark produced another steady round as the South African carded his third successive four-under to find himself in third place at 14-under while Charles Howell III and rookie Scott Gardiner are another shot behind.

Australian Gardiner, another rookie who is making his first Tour start at the age of 36, is delighted to be in with a shout.

"It's amazing what happens when expectations are not there," he said. "I only hit balls once in the two weeks before the tournament because we had snow at Christmas and a couple days after."

Matt Jones, Danny Lee, Pat Perez, Chris Kirk are tied for sixth at 12-under while 2011 PGA Championship winner Keegan Bradley is at seven-under.