Hadwin grabs four-shot lead at Valspar

Canada’s Adam Hadwin shot a four-under par 67 to finish at 14-under par and extend his lead to four shots at the Valspar Championship on Saturday as he searched for his first PGA Tour title.
Hadwin, 29, held a one-shot lead overnight, but stretched that lead by three thanks to two birdies on each nine, including a lengthy 55-foot putt on the 15th that gave him the lead by four.
He now stands clear of Patrick Cantlay, a former amateur number one who shot a second successive 66 as he continues his comeback after two years out with a back problem. Cantlay is playing on a sponsor invite.
American Jim Herman lies a shot further back at nine under after a 71.
Hadwin, who has recorded nine top-ten finishes in 77 PGA Tour starts, will be hoping he fares better than at the recent CareerBuilder Challenge, where he failed to hold on for victory after entering the final day with a two-shot lead.
Speaking about his chances of victory, Hadwin said, “If I can have a chance (Sunday) coming down the 18th hole, I’m going to be really happy with the way I played. … I just want a chance to win.”
Open champion Henrik Stenson is at seven-under par in a tie for fifth place after an even par 71, while defending champion Charl Schwartzel recorded a 67 to climb 25 places to tie for seventh at six under.
Latest
-
News
‘My best is ahead of me’ – Justin Rose motivated by winning majors, not rankings
The Englishman endured a first winless season since 2009 in 2020 and starts this week’s Omega Dubai Desert Classic ranked 38th in the world.
-
News
Justin Rose concerned about his chances of defending his Olympic title
Rose won gold in Rio in 2016 but the former world number one is currently outside the qualifying places.
-
News
Rory McIlroy on latest near-miss in Abu Dhabi: ‘I don’t feel like I played great’
McIlroy avoids mentioning final-round blues but admits he needs to get more consistent.
-
News
Tyrrell Hatton eyes Ryder Cup spot after winning Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship
Hatton carded a closing 66 to finish 18 under par.
-
News
Tyrrell Hatton wins Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship as Rory McIlroy misses out
Australia’s Jason Scrivener recorded an eagle and five birdies in a back nine of 29 to claim second place.
-
News
Rory McIlroy leads the way in Abu Dhabi as he eyes overdue victory
McIlroy will have to keep his Ryder Cup team-mates at bay if he is to claim the trophy.
-
News
Tyrrell Hatton dominant as Rory McIlroy falters in Abu Dhabi
Hatton led by five shots at the end of a second weather-affected day.
-
News
Phil Mickelson on Tiger’s latest surgery: ‘I feel bad because golf should be a game of a lifetime’
Mickelson admitted he was saddened by the news of Woods’ latest back surgery.
-
News
Rory McIlroy makes brilliant start to fog-affected Abu Dhabi Championship
McIlroy has a remarkable record in Abu Dhabi with four second-place finishes.
-
News
Rory McIlroy shines in Abu Dhabi to take first-round lead following flawless 64
McIlroy has a remarkable record in Abu Dhabi with four second-place finishes, three thirds and a fifth in his last nine starts, but has never won.