Na leads Poulter by one
Ian Poulter trails Kevin Na by just one shot going into the final round of the Crowne Plaza Invitational.
The Englishman halved Na’s two-stroke overnight lead after shooting a two-under par 68 to the American’s 69 at Colonial on Saturday.
Na’s countryman Charley Hoffman, 38, is a stroke back in third following a four-under 66 at Colonial, while Chris Kirk also made a move with a 65 to lie a further shot adrift alongside Brandt Snedeker.
Poulter was solid throughout the day, but his sole blip of the round ended up costing him two strokes – a three-putt at the 10th for double bogey.
He responded with his third and fourth birdies of the day at 11 and 15, however, to briefly claim a share of the lead, though Na would reclaim it once more before the close.
“I’m definitely playing some great golf,” Poulter told Sky Sports. “It’s about holing putts at the right time.”
“I just need to hole a few more putts and I think I will be there,” he added.
Na was even par through 16 holes after two birdies and two bogeys, but he nailed a 14-footer for birdie at 17 to ensure he would finish in front.
Poulter had a chance to draw back level with a putt on the 18th, but it was just wide.
Play finished early on Saturday after the threat of afternoon storms caused the start times to be advanced.
More bad weather is expected and could end up playing a part on Sunday.
Latest
-
European Tour‘Is this where I am going to die?’ Nicolas Colsaerts on kidney disorder battle
The Belgian is the focus of attention this week as he belatedly defends the Cazoo Open de France title he won three years ago.
-
Ryder CupOn this day in 2008: Ryder Cup misery in Louisville for Nick Faldo’s Europe team
Faldo was heavily criticised for his tactics in the closing singles.
-
LIV GolfOpen champion Cameron Smith wins first LIV trophy in just second start
The world number two is the highest-ranked player to join the rebel series.
-
European TourRobert MacIntyre beats Matt Fitzpatrick in play-off to win Italian Open
MacIntyre birdied the first extra hole at Marco Simone Golf and Country Club, the venue for next year’s Ryder Cup.
-
European TourMatt Fitzpatrick holds narrow lead ahead of final round at Italian Open
Rory McIlroy and Aaron Rai are one shot off the pace.
-
European TourRory McIlroy picks up the pace to claim lead ahead of Matt Fitzpatrick in Rome
McIlroy’s group looked unlikely to complete their second rounds after taking three hours to play nine holes.
-
NewsMatt Fitzpatrick leads way at Italian Open despite ‘inconsistent’ display
The US Open champion held a one-shot lead over fellow Englishman Tom Lewis,
-
European TourRory McIlroy rues a late night until eagle gets him flying in Italian Open
The four-time major winner was only a shot behind leader Matt Fitzpatrick after the first round of the Rome event.
-
European TourRory McIlroy begins Italian Open with superb 67 after recovering from slow start
He kick-started his round by holing out from 115 yards for an eagle on the par-four third.
-
European TourShane Lowry: Golf risks alienating fans with disgusting amount of money involved
The BMW PGA Championship winner insists he was never tempted to join LIV Golf.