Walker edges ahead in Honolulu
American Jimmy Walker opened up a two shot lead in the PGA Tour Sony Open on Saturday after carding an eight-under 62 in the third round.
The defending champion came into the Open on the back of a play-off loss to Patrick Reed at the Hyundai Tournament of Champions last week.
Walker said he and coach Butch Harmon took time to analyse that loss at Kapalua before moving on to Honolulu and the Open.
“He’s like, I know it hurts and it’s going to hurt, and it should hurt. You should be mad,” Walker said.
“You try to take as much positive as you can out of the situation and try to figure out what you could have done different. But we liked what we did. It just didn’t work out.
“It’s nice to get back right where we want to be, having a chance to win, especially after last week. I think it’s pretty cool.”
Walker carded a total of ten birdies and two bogeys during the third round, shooting 11 consecutive one-putts between the ninth and 18th holes. His first and second round scores of 66 mean he tops the leaderboard on 12-under.
Matt Kuchar held a share of the lead after Friday’s second round but has now slipped to second on 14-under after carding a 68 on Saturday.
Brian Harman and Troy Merritt trail by one shot and are tied for third, completing an all-USA top four, after carding 64 and 67 respectively.
Behind them South African Tim Clark and American Justin Thomas are tied for fifth after shooting a 68 and a 70 respectively on Saturday.
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.