Claxton widens the gap
Unheralded Will Claxton has stretched his lead to two shots after round three of the PGA Tour qualifying school.
Little known Will Claxton has not only stayed ahead, he has, in fact, stretched his lead to two shots in Friday’s third round of the PGA Tour’ final, six-round qualifying school tournament in California.
The former Auburn University player had a 69 to go two clear of Bobby Gates, Matt Jones and Seung-yul Noh as he moved to 13 under par.
Seung had the round of the day, a bogey-free eight-under 64, to jump from 30th into a tie for second place.
Vaughn Taylor, a former United States Ryder Cup player, stands level with Billy Hurley III in fifth after a 69, giving himself a decent chance of earning a card for next season.
Twenty-five tour cards for 2012 are up for grabs with several former major champions competing.
Few of the big names are well placed at the halfway stage, however.
The 2002 US PGA winner Rich Beem moved into contention after following two opening level-par rounds with a five-under 67 to climb into a share of 33rd place.
But three former major champions have plenty of catching up to do.
David Duval, the former Open champion and world number one, matched Beem in the first two rounds but a 73 saw him slip back into a share of 115th on one over.
Shaun Micheel, the 2003 US PGA champion, started brightly with a five-under 67 in his first round, but followed that with a 75 and a third round of 74 saw him drift back into a tie for 107th on level par.
Former two-time US Open winner Lee Janzen had his best round of the week, adding a four-under 68 to previous rounds of 71 and 75.
The 47-year-old now shares 73rd place, with former Ryder Cup player Boo Weekley on the same two-under-par aggregate.
Jeff Maggert, who made three US Ryder Cup teams in the 1990s, fell back from joint ninth into a tie for 27th after a 72.
Latest
-
NewsPrayers answered for Rory McIlroy as US Open hopeful makes speedy start
The Northern Irishman is two shots off the lead after an opening 67 at Winged Foot.
-
NewsRory McIlroy makes strong start at US Open
The Northern Irishman is bidding to claim a first major title since the 2014 US PGA Championship.
-
NewsWATCH: Tiger, Rory, Rahm and DJ on what makes Winged Foot so difficult
Golf’s big buns give their thoughts on the tough test that lies ahead at the US Open.
-
NewsWATCH: Social media star pays tribute to Mickelson with special US Open song
Take a listen to the most heartfelt and emotional song about Phil Mickelson ever created.
-
News5 talking points ahead of the 120th US Open
We look at five talking points ahead of the year’s second major championship
-
NewsAll eyes on USGA when the 120th US Open gets under way at Winged Foot
The fact that last year’s championship took place without controversy over the set up of the course was a welcome relief for the organisation.
-
US OpenTiger Woods ranks Winged Foot as one of the most difficult courses ever
Tiger Woods is under no illusions as to the challenges facing the field when the US Open tees off at Winged Foot on Thursday.
-
NewsOn This Day in 2004: US power couple Phil and Tiger tamed by Europe at Ryder Cup
Woods and Mickelson were ranked second and fourth in the world respectively but Montgomerie and Harrington bested them.
-
NewsRory McIlroy out to end major drought – with help from the ‘Nappy Factor’
McIlroy’s wife Erica gave birth to the couple’s first child, Poppy Kennedy McIlroy, two weeks ago.
-
NewsI wasn’t ready – Tiger Woods reflects on 2006 US Open on return to Winged Foot
Woods missed the cut at the 2006 tournament as he returned to competitive golf following the death of his father.