Berger is back in business
CROMWELL, Connecticut — Daniel Berger, last season’s rookie of the year on the PGA Tour, missed three cuts in January and February and heard the whispers.
“Everyone was starting to say sophomore slump and that kind of got me upset a little bit,” he said. “Not upset, but kind of like: ‘Come on, let’s get going here.’ ”
Berger earned his first PGA Tour win two months ago in Memphis, and will be going for a second on today. He shot an 8-under par 62 on Saturday to take a threestroke lead into the final round of the Travelers Championship.
The 23-year-old Floridian made nine birdies, including seven on his final 10 holes, to finish at 15-under 195 after 54 holes.
Berger, who is still recovering from a left shoulder injury that forced him to miss several tournaments including the British Open, had just one bogey and was two strokes off the course record, following up rounds of 66 and 67 that had him tied for the lead coming into the day.
“I’ve shot better than 62, but I guess it doesn’t matter unless it’s on the PGA Tour,” he said. “It was just a great day.”
Nick Taylor of Abbotsford shot a 68 to climb into a tie for 49th place.
Russell Knox shot a 64 and Russell Henley and Tyrone Van Aswegen each shot 65 to tie for second place at 12-under par. Patrick Rodgers shot a 66 and was five strokes off the pace.
Berger, who is coming off a shoulder injury, is looking for his fifth top-10 finish since April, a string highlighted by his win at the St. Jude Classic.
Berger said he tweaked his left shoulder in Memphis, then strained it at the U.S. Open. The injury forced him to withdraw after hitting his opening tee shot at the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational and he didn’t return until last week at the PGA Championship.
The golfers went out early in trios Saturday off the first and 10th tees to avoid thunderstorms predicted for the area. Knox set the pace, opening his round with three consecutive birdies. He putted the ball just seven times over his first six holes.
He also is looking for his second PGA Tour win, after a victory last November at the World Championships in Shanghai.
“I always tell myself, don’t be scared to play well,” he said. “You’ve got to go for it.”
Brooks Koepka, playing with a brace on his right ankle, shot a 30 on his back nine to finish with a 64 and go 9-under par for the tournament, tied for sixth place with Paul Casey. Koepka tore a ligament this summer and, like Berger, missed he British Open.