Koepka keeps lead, Jazz makes a mark

FARMDALE (NEW YORK): Thailand’s Jazz Janewattananond was in misery after two rainy practice days at the PGA Championship, only to have the skies clear and make his dreams come true.

The 23-year-old from Bangkok fired a three-under par 67 on Saturday to share second on five-under 205 entering Sunday’s final round at firm and dry Bethpage Black.

“On Monday, it was raining. Tuesday was raining. The course plays so tough because the rough was so long. The ball don’t go anywhere,” Jazz said.

“I was having a nightmare. How am I going to play this golf course? I’m not going to break 80.”

Jazz shattered that idea, and while his 54-hole total is seven strokes behind leader Brooks Koepka, this week is already a success.

“This exceeds my expectation already,” Jazz said.

Jazz, who won January’s Singapore Open and stands second on the Asian Tour Order of Merit, plays in Sunday’s penultimate group alongside Luke List, whose hometown is the same as the Masters — Augusta, Georgia.

Jazz, whose only other US event was the 2017 US PGA Colonial in Texas, is loving the vocal New York crowds.

“People keep shouting love you. They love me here,” Jazz said. “Trying to say my last name. I heard all sorts. Some pretty good ones. I heard some really funny ones. So keep it coming.”

Jazz, who missed last year’s British Open cut in his only prior major, turned professional at 14 in order to play more events.

“In Asia, we struggle to get a good amateur event. We don’t have it there,” Jazz said. “I play some over here, and it’s amazing. Leaderboard: 198: Brooks Koepka 6365-70; 205: Harold Varner 71-67-67; Jazz Janewattananond 70-68-67; Luke List 68-68-69; Dustin Johnson 69-67-69; 206: Hideki Matsuyama 70-68-68;

Matt Wallace 69-67-70