TIGER WOODS REMAINS firmly in the running for a first PGA Tour victory since 2013 after ending round three of the Valspar Championship one shot behind leader Corey Conners.
Golf’s dominant figure for much of the past two decades, Woods was the centre of attention once again at Palm Harbor on Saturday, with huge crowds gathering to see if the former world number one could continue a hugely encouraging week.
There was plenty to delight those who came out to cheer for Woods as the 42-year-old carded a four-under 67, earning a share of second with playing partner Brandt Snedeker (67) and Justin Rose (66).
Woods will surely fancy his chances of claiming his 80th PGA Tour title on Sunday, with unheralded rookie Conners – who again impressed with a 68 - the only man above him on the leaderboard.
The highlights of Woods’ penultimate round came around the turn, as he chipped in for an unlikely birdie at the ninth before holing a 22-foot putt at the 10th for another gain.
At that point, Woods and Conners were tied for the lead at eight under, the former having also picked up shots at the third and fifth holes.
However, presentable birdie chances went begging for the 14-time major champion at the 11th and 12th, and he then made a clumsy bogey at the short 13th after a hideous pulled tee shot.
Woods, whose iron play was sparkling for most of the day, was soon back on track with a fifth birdie of the day on 14 and finished confidently with four straight pars, grinning broadly as he shook hands with Snedeker on the 18th green.
Conners, only playing as a reserve this week - twice put together runs of three birdies in four holes, but dropped shots on the sixth, seventh and 16th.
Only four men beat Woods’ score of 67, with Rose’s five-under round putting the Englishman in the final group with Conners, who endured a stressful end to his round when his ball moved on the 18th green as he took a practice stroke.
Rose holed his approach to the 11th for an eagle and also found four birdies, his solitary bogey coming on the seventh.
- Omni
Waterford seem to always be able to get over the line with Galway .
@Finnster: except when it mattered 3 years ago
@eoin carroll: there was that one time alright ; )
@Finnster: have we ever won In Waterford
Very very worrying for Galway. Serious lack of fight and passion. Another 20 years I’m afraid.
@Ray Ridge:
@Ray Ridge: You know the hurlers are struggling when the footballers score more than them.
@Mike Keane: The signs are not good Mike.
@Ray Ridge: give it a rest Ray , it’s only the League
@Finnster: only the league this year and only the league and championship last year. As I said the signs are very worrying.
@Ray Ridge: yes and what overachieving team do you support Ray ?
canning means everything
I like to see my team fulfil it’s potential…….so forgive me for not being happy with the performances over the last 18 months.
@Ray Ridge: Galway have only been beaten in championship by Limerick and Dublin since their loss to Tipp in the 2016 AI semi final . That’s not bad going, they have plenty of good players but some of them just not showing their potential.
@Ray Ridge: you were fairly harsh on the footballers earlier today too. We don’t all have to be cheerleaders but a bit of patience wouldn’t hurt!
@Freddie Rincon: After 19 years my patience is running out!!