Justin Thomas shot a third-round 65 and will head into final round of the Genesis Open with a four-shot lead over playing partners Adam Scott and J.B. Holmes.
Thomas eagled No. 1 and added a pair of birdies on Nos. 6 and 7 to turn in 31 with a two-shot advantage. A back-nine of three birdies against one bogey put Thomas at 17-under par, good for a four-shot lead, and a share of the 54-hole scoring record at Riviera.
“I’m striking it well. I putted really well today, which is nice, and I just – when I hit it in the rough or I hit it in trouble, I’m just kind of getting it around the green or getting it on the green,” said Thomas in a Friday evening interview.
“I mean, the greens are so soft, especially this morning when you miss the green, ball in hand, it’s a lot easier to get it up and down. But I just managed my emotions really well today and tried not to let the weather get to me.”
Scott struggled on the back nine with his putter but still held on to post a 69 and remain in the hunt. He was tied with Holmes (68) for second-place at 13-under par.
Jordan Spieth (70) and Rory McIlroy (69) were next at 9-under par.
LEADERS THRU ROUND 3
Pos-Player-To Par (Last Rd)
1. Justin Thomas -17 (-6)
2. Adam Scott -13 (-2)
2. J.B. Holmes -13 (-3)
4. Jordan Spieth -9 (-1)
4. Rory McIlroy -9 (-2)
STAT LEADERS THRU ROUND 3
Driving: Bubba Watson – 313.8 yards (T10)
Fairways: Brian Gay – 33/42, 78.7% (T37)
Greens: Rory McIlroy – 43/54, 79.6% (T4)
Putts/GIR: Justin Thomas – 1.487 (1)
Birdies: Justin Thomas – 20 (1)
