Fleetwood one ahead at Honda Classic
PALM BEACH GARDENS: Britain’s Tommy Fleetwood birdied four of the last six holes, including two spectacular birdie putts from beyond 40 feet, to grab a one-stroke lead after Saturday’s third round of the US PGA Honda Classic.
The 29-year-old Englishman, runner-up at the 2018 US Open and 2019 British Open, fired a three-under-par 67 to finish on five-under 205 after 54 holes at PGA National in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.
Fleetwood, who began the day three strokes off the lead, made six birdies against three bogeys on a wild day where he was the only player to shoot a round under par in the final eight groups.
“It’s funny, really, how tough certain shots can play,” Fleetwood said.
“There are just so many factors on a golf course. You can only hit golf shots and see where they play.”
American Brendan Steele, the 36-hole leader who was three ahead of Fleetwood when the day began, fired a one-over-par 71 to stand second on 206 with England’s 46-year-old Lee Westwood and 42-year-old Luke Donald both on 207 after shooting matching 71s on Saturday.
Sharing fifth on 208 were South
Korea’s Im Sung-Jae, American Daniel Berger and South African Charl Schwartzel.
LEADING THIRD ROUND SCORES
(USA unless noted, par-70)
205 — Tommy Fleetwood (ENG) 70-68-67
206 — Brendan Steele 68-67-71
207 — Lee Westwood (ENG) 67-69-71, Luke Donald (ENG) 70-66-71
208 — Daniel Berger 69-70-69, Charl Schwartzel (RSA) 69-69-70, Im Sung-jae (KOR) 72-66-70
209 — Mackenzie Hughes (CAN) 71-72-66, Rory Sabbatini (SVK) 71-69-69, Mark Hubbard 69-71-69, Robby Shelton 70-69-70, Russell Henley 70-69-70, JT Poston 67-69-73