Snedeker edges ahead in Scottsdale

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February 28, 2010

Brandt Snedeker fired a round of 66 to take a one stroke lead in the Waste Management Phoenix Open in Scottsdale.

Brandt Snedeker posted a five-under-par 66 to take the lead of the Waste Management Phoenix Open at the end of the third round in Scottsdale.
The American carded his sixth birdie of the day on the par-4 17th to take sole leadership on 14-under, just a stroke ahead of compatriot Scott Piercy who shot a 65 on Saturday.
In an American dominated leaderboard Matt Every and 21-year-old Rickie Fowler were tied for third on 12 under after returning rounds of 68 and 69 respectively.
Joint overnight leaders Camilo Villegas and Mark Wilson slipped off the pace as they both struggled as the wind picked up later in the day.
Colombian Villegas, who carded a tournament-equalling nine-under-par 62 on the opening day, could only shoot an even round of 71 to remain 11 under, while Wilson dropped a shot back to be in a tie for sixth with nine players.
Ian Poulter, who had put himself in contention to add to his WGC-Accenture success last week with a 63 on Friday, could only muster a 70 today to be the best-placed Englishman on eight-under.
Snedeker dropped just one shot in his near-flawless round, a bogey on the par-4 14th when he failed to get his third shot out of a greenside bunker at the first time of asking.
His second attempt was not great either and he needed a solid 15-foot putt to take bogey.
The 29-year-old, whose only success on the PGA Tour came at the 2007 Wyndham Championship, bounced back immediately as he rolled in an 18-footer for birdie at the par-5 15th before ensuring he would go into the final day ahead with his sixth birdie at 17.
“I played really good. I’m swinging it really good right now,” he said.
“I made one mistake on 14 and was able to make a long putt to save bogey. Besides that, I’m rolling it great.
“I’ve been hitting a lot of really quality shots, so it was a lot of fun out there.”
Anthony Kim, who had started the day in a tie for second an in the final group, crashed out of contention with a five-over 76.
The damage was done to the American’s card on the par-5 15th where he took a triple bogey and finished five under alongside two-time winner Phil Mickelson who returned a 72 on Saturday.