Mexico City: Gary Woodland didn’t let a double bogey spoil his day as he shot a five-under 66 to maintain his one-shot lead at the PGA Tour’s OHL Classic at Mayakoba on Saturday.
The 32-year-old American was bogey free for the tournament before hitting a poor tee shot on the 15th en route to a double bogey five at the El Camaleon Golf Club in Playa de Carmen, Mexico.
Woodland followed the double bogey with three straight pars for a 54-hole total of 18-under 195. He has a one-shot lead over Pat Perez.
“I played beautifully all day, just hit the one bad shot,” said Woodland. “I was able to control my distance and made a lot of putts. I’m excited about where I am and excited about tomorrow.”
Perez missed seven months this year following surgery on his left shoulder and is playing on a medical extension. He recorded eight birdies and an eagle in a superb 62 for one of the best rounds of the year.
After opening with three straight birdies, Perez eagled the fifth hole and added birdies on the seventh and ninth to go out in 29. He carded his only bogey at No. 10, but added three birdies down the stretch.
Scott Piercy birdied five of the first eight holes on his way to a 66 and was two shots back in third. It was a further stroke back to Seamus Power of Ireland, who had a bogey-free 64. Former US Open winner Webb Simpson was in fifth place following a 69.
Chez Reavie eagled the 13th hole and finished in 63 and was five back in a tie for sixth with Russell Knox of Scotland (67), Jason Bohn (66), and Luke List (66).
Defending champion Graeme McDowell of Northern Ireland, who opened with a 75 but stormed back to make the cut by one stroke with a 65, shot a second straight 65 and was tied for 32nd.
— AFP
