Aussie hot on trail of Watson
A U S T R A L I A ’ S C a m e r o n Smith emerged as a red- hot candidate to deny Bubba Watson the chance to join an elite group of three- time winners of the US PGA Tour event at Riviera Country Club.
Having won the LA Open in 2014 and 2016, 54- hole leader Watson is gunning to follow golf great Ben Hogan and Lloyd Mangrum as the only players to earn three US Tour wins at the iconic Los Angeles course.
“The history,” Watson said when asked why he thrives at Riviera. “This golf course stood the test of time; nobody’s talking about changing it unless they mention ( it hosting) a major.”
The two- time Masters winner fired a six- under- par 65 on day three to be 10 under.
He has a one- shot cushion going into the final round over Patrick Cantlay, who holed a 16m birdie putt on the last for a 69.
Smith was set to join Americans Watson and Cantlay in today’s final group after a 65 left him tied for third at eight under, alongside former US Open winner Graeme McDowell ( 70), Tony Finau ( 68) and Kevin Na ( 67).
Aaron Baddeley posted a 67 to be six under and four shots off the lead.
Winless since his LA Open triumph two years ago, world No. 117 Watson said Riviera would be the perfect venue to break his drought given his affinity for shaping the ball with a self- taught swing.
Smith produced a bogeyfree scrambling masterclass to bag an eagle and four birdies, despite hitting just nine greens in regulation.
With a victory, 24- year- old Smith would become the youngest winner at Riviera since fellow Australian Adam Scott won the rain- shortened 2005 event.
“I don’t come to a golf tournament to run second or third, I try to win every tournament,” Smith said.
Smith says he’ll draw on his recent Australian PGA Championship win as he chases a second US Tour title.