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.
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