Garrigus sets record, takes lead in Canadian

Associated Press

ancaster, ontario

Robert Garrigus broke the 54-hole scoring record at the Canadian Open that was first set more than a half-century ago by Arnold Palmer.

Now he needs to finish like the King.

On rain-softened greens that took the bite out of Hamilton Golf & Country Club, Garrigus combined his power with some timely putts for a 6-under 64 on Saturday that gave him a one-shot lead over William McGirt, who lost ground despite a 66.

Scott Piercy had a 67 and was another shot behind.

Garrigus was at 16-under 194, one shot better than Palmer in 1955 at Weston Golf & Country Club outside Toronto, and matched two years ago by Dean Wilson at St. George’s Golf & Country Club. Palmer went on to win the 1955 Canadian Open for the first of his 62 titles on the PGA Tour.

Garrigus will be going for his second win, though this tournament is a long way from being settled.

“Oops. Sorry, Arnie,” Garrigus said when told about the record.

He was fortunate to escape with par, not to mention his health, on the final hole when his 3-iron off the tee ran out 290 yards and just into the hazard short of the bridge. He had to clip the ball to avoid smacking the bridge and damaging his wrist, and the wedge came out perfectly.

Scott Stallings, who won last week in Mississippi, birdied his last two holes for a 63 and was four shots behind, along with Chris Kirk (63) and Bo Van Pelt (67). Stallings ended a streak of nine consecutive PGA Tour events in which the 54-hole leader failed to win. The ninth was Ernie Els coming from six shots behind at the British Open. Stalling won later that day.

“A lot of guys haven’t been able to hold leads this year,” said Garrigus, still known for losing a three-shot lead on the final hole in Memphis two years ago.

No matter the difficulty of any course — Hamilton rates among the best in the Canadian Open rotation — soft greens are no match for the best players. And now, the 72-hole record for golf’s third-oldest championship is in jeopardy. That belongs to another Palmer — Johnny Palmer — who had a 263 in 1952 at St. Charles in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

Garrigus’ goal?

“Foot to the floor, as much as possible,” he said.

He wasn’t speaking about the scoring record as much as leaving town with the trophy, which would put him in a World Golf Championship next week at Firestone and the Masters next April.