Final-hole eagle puts Nico Echavarria in driving seat in Zozo event in Japan
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Nico Echavarria said his late eagle with darkness approaching was a “special” moment.
PHOTO: AFP
INZAI, Japan – Colombia’s Nico Echavarria had to thank his lucky stars, as he rattled in an eagle on the 18th hole on Oct 26 to take a two-stroke lead into the final day of the PGA Tour’s Zozo Championship in Japan.
The 30-year-old hit a pin-point approach shot on the par-five 18th to leave him with an easy putt for three, sending him to 17-under 193 overall after three rounds at Narashino Country Club.
Two-time Major winner Justin Thomas (65) was two shots behind, with Max Greyserman (64) one stroke further back. American Rickie Fowler (67) was six shots off the pace in joint fourth.
Echavarria, who has won only one PGA title, said his late eagle with darkness approaching was a “special” moment.
“It was very hard to see out there at the end,” said the Colombian, who carded a five-under 65 for the day.
“It was dark, it was gloomy, so I couldn’t tell how close it was. I heard the roar, but when I got there and it was almost a tap-in, it was very good.”
He had an up-and-down round that also included two bogeys and five birdies.
Echavarria also said that his bogey on the fourth hole was a “wake-up call” and he now heads into the final day with a chance to win his first title since the 2023 Puerto Rico Open.
“Just stay in the moment,” he said when asked about his plan for the final day.
“It’s a cliche, but it’s really important. You don’t want to get ahead with yourself, especially there’s a lot of hard holes out here. You just have to hit shot by shot and try to be in the fairway, try to hit the green and see if the putt goes in.”
Thomas, who won the PGA Championship in 2017 and 2022, stayed in contention with a bogey-free round.
The 31-year-old is looking to end a title drought of 2½ years.
“It’s obviously tough, it’s hard to win at any stage, doesn’t matter who you are,” he said.
“If you’re fortunate enough to have a couple of hot streaks in your career, whatever it may be, it can not only seem or look easier to yourself but to everybody else as well.”
Double Major winner Xander Schauffele, who had a quadruple bogey on the opening day, was 13 shots off the pace on four under after his round of 68.
Defending champion Collin Morikawa (70) was also tied-39th with Schauffele and 10 others. AFP
