GOLF Saturday’s events
PGA TOUR
Moore’s strong finish earns Valspar lead
PALM HARBOR, Fla.
Ryan Moore had no trouble explaining how, after 12 consecutive pars to start the third-round of the Valspar Championship, he birdied four of the final six holes Saturday.
“I just hit it closer,” he said.
The result was a 4-under 67 that pushed Moore to a 54-hole total of 9-under 204 and a one-shot lead over Jordan Spieth on Innisbrook Resort’s Copperhead course.
Spieth shot 68. Derek Ernst was another stroke back after a 69.
The field was like a crowded freeway early before Moore finally opened up some space. When the final pairing of Brendon de Jonge and Spieth reached its fifth hole, they were part of an eight-way tie for the lead at 5 under. Another seven players were a shot back. Twenty-seven were within three.
While de Jonge, who led by one after 36 holes, shot 75 and fell off the pace, Moore, seeking his fifth career win, moved steadily along in the swirling wind until sprinting to the finish.
“Any day around this golf course with no bogies is pretty good especially the spots where I hit it,” Moore said. “I was able to save par really low in the middle of my round, made some good putts but had some good chip shots. Was able to get it rolling there and make some birdies coming in.”
TSHWANE OPEN
Scotland’s Lee, five others share lead
PRETORIA, South Africa
Scotland’s Craig Lee shot a 4-under 66 for a share of the lead with five other players in the Tshwane Open.
Englishman David Horsey (69), South Africans George Coetzee (69), Trevor Fisher Jr. (69) and Wallie Coetsee (68) and Spain’s Adrian Otaegui (72) matched Lee at 9-under 201 at Pretoria Country Club. Fisher won the Africa Open winner last week.
LADIES EUROPEAN TOUR
Defending champion Park has lead
HAIKOU, China
Defending champion Inbee Park birdied two of the last four holes for a 2-under 71 and a one-stroke lead in the Ladies European Tour’s World Ladies Championship.
The second-ranked Park had a 10-under 209 total on Mission Hills’ Blackstone Course. The South Korean star won the HSBC Women’s Champions in Singapore on Sunday for her 13th LPGA Tour title.
South Korea’s So Yeon Ryu was second after a 65.
Associated Press