Weekley earns the right to go round with Spieth
CROMWELL, Connecticut — Jordan Spieth continues to play a little better than anyone else at the Travelers Championship.
The 23-year-old Texan closed with a 20-foot birdie putt for a 4-under 66 on Saturday, giving him a one-stroke lead for the third straight round at TPC River Highlands. After predicting that it would take a score of 16 under to win, the two-time major champion took a 12-under 198 total into the final round.
Boo Weekley was second after a 65. Weekley, 43, playing just in front of Spieth, birdied five of the last eight holes, basking in adoring chants from the gallery.
Spieth bogeyed Nos. 13 and 14, but matched Weekley with three birdies on the final four holes, capping it with the final shot of the round from below the hole.
“It’s in the shadow,” Spieth said. “I’m looking to hit the putt at the right speed. If it goes in, great, if it doesn’t, so be it, tap it in. With a few feet to go, it was going to have a chance and it curled right in the middle.”
Weekley is looking for his fourth tour title and first since 2013. The Floridian said he has been dealing with personal issues. He had a season-best tie for 37th at the Puerto Rico Open in March and has made just eight cuts in 21 events. Spieth is looking for his 10th tour win.
Weekley acknowledged they make for an odd final pairing today. “He loves to fish, so we’ve got a little in common there,” Weekley said.
David Hearn of Brantford, Ont., was five shots back at 7 under after a 66. Graham DeLaet (72) of Weyburn, Sask., was 3 under, Adam Hadwin (68) of Abbotsford was 2 under and Ottawa’s Brad Fritsch (72) was 1 under.