After 54 holes of play at Albany, three players share the top billing at the Hero World Challenge, as Tony Finau, Henrik Stenson and Jon Rahm all sit at 13-under par.
Finau followed up a Friday 64 with a round of 67 on Saturday, which included a single bogey offset by six birdies, highlighted by back-to-back gains on Nos. 14 and 15 to reach the marquee position.
Afterwards, the 29-year old American cited his ability to take advantage of Albany’s extra par-5 hole as the key.
“You know, I always hope and expect to play well no matter what golf course we play. This is a golf course I’m not very familiar with, I played it once before we played,” said Finau, who has played the 10 par-5s to 9 under over the last two rounds.
“When I’m playing well, I feel like I can score on any golf course, especially a course that has five par 5s. You’ve got that one extra hole. We play a lot of golf courses on the PGA TOUR where there’s only two or three, so to be able to have those couple extra par 5s, you just know you’re going to have some opportunities to score and I’ve been able to take advantage of those opportunities on those par 5s.”
Stenson and Rahm, who shared the lead after round two, each signed for a 3-under 69 on Saturday, which included five birdies against two bogeys and 11 pars.
Gary Woodland, who after two middle rounds of 66 and 67, was solo fourth at 11-under par, one clear of defending champion Rickie Fowler, who moved into contention with back-to-back 67s to sit alone in the fifth spot at 10 under.
One further back was Xander Schauffele, who shot a low-round 6-under 66, to join Dustin Johnson (72) at 9-under par.
Tournament host Tiger Woods struggled to an even-par 72, and sits in last-place at 2-under par.
2018 HERO WORLD CHALLENGE
TOP 5 LEADERS: ROUND THREE
Pos-Name-To Par (Today)
1. Tony Finau -13 (-5)
1. Jon Rahm -13 (-3)
1. Henrik Stenson -13 (-3)
4. Gary Woodland -11 (-5)
5. Rickie Fowler -10 (-5)
STAT LEADERS
Through 54 holes
Fairways: Henrik Stenson 32/39, 82.1%
Greens: Henrik Stenson 45/56, 83.3%
Putts/GIR: Alex Noren 1.528
Birdies: Henrik Stenson 19
Pars: Bubba Watson 35
Bogeys: Bryson DeChambeau, Jason Day 12
QUOTABLE
“Last year I was in a completely different spot, completely different scenario and trying to piece together, see if I could actually play this game again. I know I can play now and I know I can win. I just have not done a very good job this week of playing clean and keeping my rounds going like I should and could have.”
– Tiger Woods
