Jimenez looks to close deal in U.S. Senior Open
UPPER ARLINGTON, Ohio — Miguel Angel Jimenez was back on top on a Saturday, this time in the U.S. Senior Open at difficult Scioto County Club.
The 52-year-old Spanish player was looking for a better late Sunday afternoon result after missing chances in his last two events.
Jimenez put himself in position to break out of the title funk Saturday, finishing off a 1-underpar 69 in gusty wind and sheets of rain to take a one-stroke lead. He was in a lot better shape in Scotland and Minnesota in the last two tournaments — and came up empty.
Three weeks ago at Carnoustie in the Senior British Open, Jimenez took a four-stroke lead into the last day, only to shoot 75 and tie for third — three strokes behind winner Paul Broadhurst. Last week in the 3M Championship, Jimenez was a stroke ahead entering the final round and ended up losing when Joe Durant shot 63 and eagled the first hole of a playoff.
“Just keep playing golf and give myself patience. That’s the main thing,” said Jimenez, who had a 3-under 207 total.
Gene Sauers was second after a 71. Ian Woosnam (70), Loren Roberts (70) and senior newcomer Billy Mayfair (75) were tied for third at 1 over. In other golf news: • Ryan Moore shot two more rounds of 6-under 65 to take the third-round lead in the John Deere Classic at Silvis, Ill., finishing in nearly dark conditions. After opening Thursday with a 65, Moore never got on the course Friday in the tournament that finally got back on schedule Saturday when the players raced to finish before dark. Play was delayed 3½ hours Thursday when an inch of rain fell, and Friday’s start was delayed five hours after an overnight storm dumped another 2.4 inches on the soaked course. Morgan Hoffman and Ben Martin each shot 62 to more within a stroke at 17 under. Johnson Wagner was fourth at 14 under after a 67.