Leishman seven back in Hawaii’s Sony Open

SUPER-CONSISTENT Marc Leishman is on track for another big US PGA Tour payday but the Sony Open title appears almost out of reach going into the final round. The Australian shot a two-under 68 third round to get to 11-under at Waialae Country Club in Honolulu on Saturday.

But he remained tied fifth — as he started the day — with American leader Matt Kuchar (66) seven shots in front of him after getting to 18-under 192, the lowest 54-hole score of his career. Chasing his eighth title and second of the season, 40-year-old Kuchar leads by two shots from Andrew Putman (67) with countrymen Keith Mitchell (63) and Chez Reavie (66) a further two shots back.

Leishman is next, in a tie with eight other players including fast-risers Bryson DeChambeau (63), Davis Love (64), Charles Howell (64), Dominic Bozzelli (64), and Brian Stuard (64). Leishman is coming off a tie for fourth at the Tournament of Champions on Maui last week after starting his US tour season with a victory in Kuala Lumpur.