Patrick Rodgers leads by one at Texas Open as he searches for first win
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Patrick Rodgers of the United States playing his shot from the bunker on the 18th hole during the third round of the Valero Texas Open at TPC San Antonio on Saturday. He shot a one-under 71 to sit at 12-under 204 at the Oaks Course, good for a one-stroke lead.
PHOTO: AFP
SAN ANTONIO – Third-round leader Patrick Rodgers will be playing for his first PGA Tour title and a US Masters invitation on Sunday at the Texas Open at TPC San Antonio.
He shot a one-under 71 to sit at 12-under 204 at the Oaks Course, good for a one-stroke lead. He posted three birdies but bogeyed the par-four sixth and par-five 18th holes to finish on a down note.
“We all know what’s at stake with a win here,” he said. “I haven’t gotten the job done in my career, but it’s quite a thrill. This is why I compete and I can’t wait to get out there tomorrow.”
The 30-year-old is making his 235th Tour start. He has led events after 54 holes four times and has three second-place finishes.
“There are a lot of guys chasing, with great players out here,” Rodgers said. “Obviously, there’s no better place to be than to have an advantage, but it’s going to take a great round in order to get it done.”
One shot back is 2019 champion Corey Conners of Canada, who carded a 69 with seven birdies, two bogeys and a double bogey at the par-four sixth hole.
“I’ve been working hard over the last number of years to try to get back in the winner’s circle and give myself some opportunities and feel like this is a great opportunity here,” he said.
“I love this golf course and feel really comfortable out here. Yeah, it’s going to be a fun battle, but I’ll be giving it my all.”
Matt Kuchar (207) is alone in third after his three-under 69, while Sam Stevens (68) and Chris Kirk (69) are tied for fourth at 208.
Ireland’s Padraig Harrington, 51, is among six golfers sharing sixth spot at 209 after posting a 68. The three-time Major champion could become the third-oldest tournament winner in PGA Tour history should he triumph.
Former Masters champion Hideki Matsuyama (68) is among six golfers tied for 12th on 210. Defending champion J.J. Spaun is tied for 30th at 213 after his 70.
Rickie Fowler, among a group of players who must win the Texas Open in order to qualify for this week’s Masters, is tied for 43rd at two under after his 71.
The second round was suspended due to darkness on Friday and completed on Saturday with the cut at even par.
Meanwhile, China’s Yin Ruoning closed in on a first US LPGA Tour title on Saturday, carding six birdies in a four-under 67 to take a two-shot lead over Kim Hyo-joo in the LPGA Los Angeles Open.
The 20-year-old had a 14-under 199 at Palos Verdes Golf Club, while South Korea’s Kim – who started the day tied for the lead with Yin and whose five LPGA victories include a Major title at the 2014 Evian Championship – posted a 69 for 201. REUTERS, AFP
