Bubba Watson takes lead with 65 at Genesis Open
Bubba Watson dazzled as the two-time Masters champion hit the front after the third round of the Genesis Open.
Watson – a dual winner of the PGA Tour tournament who was involved in the NBA All-Star celebrity game on Friday – carded a six-under-par 65 for a one-shot lead in California on Saturday.
The 39-year-old American had five birdies, with a bogey at the par-four 15th hole the only blemish on his penultimate round.
Watson also eagled his first hole of the day as he stormed out of the blocks at the Riviera Country Club.
@BubbaWatson will just have to settle for a tap-in to start his Round 3. #QuickHits pic.twitter.com/Po9uGx3UPs
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) February 17, 2018
He hit a sensational shot from 200 yards within inches of the hole for an eagle putt and he made no mistake from close range.
Countryman Patrick Cantlay, who was tied for the lead alongside Graeme McDowell following round two, dropped to second with back-to-back 69s.
Former U.S. Open champion McDowell is two strokes off the pace alongside Cameron Smith (65), Kevin Na (67) and Tony Finau (68).
Reigning PGA Tour Player of the Year Justin Thomas continued his rise up the leaderboard with a four-under-par 67.
The US PGA Championship winner recorded an eagle, five birdies and three bogeys for a mixed bag.
Justin Thomas from long range…
Out in under just shots back. #QuickHits pic.twitter.com/1RaodztDwL
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) February 17, 2018
World number one Dustin Johnson is also six under through 54 holes after shooting a third-round 64.
After opening with a 74, Johnson followed up his second-round 69 with another performance in the 60s courtesy of his flawless display.
Johnson did not drop a shot, holing an eagle and five birdies to climb 45 positions heading into the final round.
Three-time major champion Jordan Spieth hit a 69 to be seven shots behind Watson, while fellow star Rory McIlroy – winner of four major titles – fell to even par after recording a disappointing two-over 73.
