Rahm leads, McIlroy lurks at Torrey Pines

SAN DIEGO — Jon Rahm chipped in for birdie and holed out from 111 yards for eagle to start his round Saturday, and he scrambled superbly along the back nine for a 7-under-par 65 at Torrey Pines and a one-shot lead over Ryan Palmer in the Farmers Insurance Open.

Rahm won his first PGA Tour title three years ago at Torrey Pines when he made two eagles over the last six holes for a 66 to rally from a threeshot deficit. This time, he tries his hand with the lead.

Palmer traded birdies and bogeys most of the day until his 10-foot birdie on the 17th gave him a 1-under 71 and his second chance to win in as many starts this year.

Joining them in the last group was Rory McIlroy, who can return to No. 1 in the world with a victory. McIlroy hit a 5-iron from the bunker to 6 feet on the tough par-4 12th hole and two-putted for birdie on the 18th for a 67 that left him among those within three shots of the lead.

Tiger Woods still had fleeting hope of posting his record 83rd victory, mainly because of a par. Woods got within two of the lead at the turn and didn’t make another birdie in his round of 69. He had to make a 15-foot par on his final hole.

Rahm was at 12-under 204 as he goes for his fourth PGA Tour victory and 11th worldwide.

Woods was among 16 players within five shots of the lead, and Rahm knows from experience how momentum can change at Torrey Pines. He said having won here in 2017 will mean nothing to him Sunday.

■ LPGA: At Boca Raton, Fla., Madelene Sagstrom hit all 18 greens in regulation for a 5-under 67 and a 15-under 201 total, giving her a two-shot lead over Nasa Hataoka (67) entering the Gainbridge’s final round. Las Vegas resident Danielle Kang (65) and Sei Young Kim (67) were another stroke back.

■ European PGA: At Dubai, United Arab Emirates, No. 366-ranked Ashun Wu shot 5-under 67 for an 11-under 205 total and a one-stroke lead over Victor Perez (67) entering the Dubai Desert Classic’s final round. UNLV product Kurt Kitayama (68), Bryson DeChambeau (70) and Tom Lewis (65) were another shot back.

Denis Poroy The Associated Press Jon Rahm hits out of a bunker toward the 13th green Saturday in the third round of the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines’ South Course.