Johnson takes control at Kapalua

World number one Dustin Johnson fired a superb seven-under-par round of 66 to take a two-shot lead after the third round at the Tournament of Champions in Hawaii on Saturday.
After three birdies on the front nine at Kapalua, Johnson jumped into the lead on the par-four 12th hole when he pitched in from around 65 yards for an eagle.
Johnson then added three more birdies on the 14th, 15tha and 18th holes fo finish the day at 16 under, two shots ahead of countryman Brian Harman.
Harman, who had earlier eagled the fifth hole, lost the lead after bogeys on the 11th and 12th, but pulled it back with three birdies of his own to card a four-under 69.
Spain’s Jon Rahm, number four in the world, was two shots further back in third place at 12-under par after matching Johnson’s 66 following three birdies and an eagle in his last five holes.
"Great round. Bogey-free," Rahm said afterwards. "I didn't think this week it was going to be a bogey-free week, but really extremely content for what happened today. Felt really comfortable throughout, especially on my short game."
Rickie Fowler and Jason Dufner finished the day tied for fourth place at 11 under.
Open Champion Jordan Spieth was eight shots off the lead after a third-round 70 left him tied for ninth position.
Player of the Year Justin Thomas was struggling at two-over par after a second consecutive round of 75. Thomas’ father caddied for him after his regular bagman was ruled out with an injury.
Latest
-
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.
-
News
Justin Thomas on end of Ralph Lauren deal: ‘They moved on so that’s what I’m doing as well’
Justin Thomas said he was upset by...
-
News
My last win feels a long time ago – Rory McIlroy aiming to start year on a high
McIlroy has not tasted victory since November 2019.
-
News
Rory McIlroy insists Justin Thomas will ‘try to be better’ after homophobic slur
World number three Thomas was heard using a derogatory word towards himself after missing a par putt in Hawaii.
-
News
Rory McIlroy sad to miss Conor McGregor fight
Rory McIlroy has been to UFC star Conor Mcgregor’s last three fights but will miss Saturday’s clash due to European Tour commitments.
-
News
Rory McIlroy backs Tiger Woods to make quick recovery from latest back surgery
McIlroy expects the American to be fit for the Masters in April.
-
News
Tiger Woods focusing on return to PGA Tour after undergoing fifth back operation
The 45-year-old will miss the Farmers Insurance Open and the Genesis Invitational.