J.J. Spaun enters the final round of the Sony Open with a slim one-shot lead after an impressive performance in the third round. Spaun shot a 5-under par 65 at the Waialae Country Club in Honolulu, Hawaii, showcasing his skill as he aims for his first PGA Tour victory. The competition remains fierce, with Patrick Fishburn and Eric Cole tied for second place, just one stroke behind.
The Sony Open has a reputation for its tightly contested leaderboard, and this year is no exception. Spaun's steady play has put him in a prime position, but the close standings indicate that multiple players are still in contention. Notably, Justin Thomas holds the scoring record at the Sony Open, having achieved a remarkable total of 253 in 2017.
On Saturday, Spaun demonstrated both precision and composure throughout his round. He will need to maintain that focus, especially against strong competitors like Fishburn and Cole. Fishburn expressed his excitement about the tournament, stating, "It's been a fun week here in Hawaii." However, he also acknowledged the challenges presented by the conditions on the course.
"As soon as we made the turn there, the conditions got quite a bit harder," – Patrick Fishburn
The wind picked up significantly during the third round, complicating play for many participants. Fishburn noted that "a lot of the wind was hard off the left with pins on the left, so it was a tricky setup." This added difficulty was evident as players navigated through the course.
Stephen Jaeger made headlines with a remarkable score of 62 in the third round, featuring nine birdies. However, his standing remains uncertain due to a few costly mistakes that marred his otherwise stellar performance. Despite these errors, Jaeger has proven he possesses the talent to contend with the leaders.
Fishburn highlighted his performance by reaching 14 under par at one point during the round but struggled to maintain momentum after the turn. He could only manage one birdie following his initial success. Meanwhile, Ryder Cup captain Keegan Bradley made an impressive move up the leaderboard with a final score of 64, placing him just two shots behind Spaun. Bradley's round included a remarkable 360-yard drive aided by favorable wind conditions.
Alongside Bradley, Brian Harman, Nick Taylor, and Nico Echavarria find themselves two strokes back as they aim for a strong finish on Sunday. Gary Woodland, who underwent brain surgery last year, is three shots behind Spaun but remains hopeful about his chances. Woodland remarked, "If you can get hot, you can make a run," emphasizing his determination to compete despite recent challenges.
As the final round approaches, all eyes will be on Spaun to see if he can withstand the pressure and secure his first PGA Tour victory. With several players within striking distance and unpredictable course conditions, it promises to be an exciting conclusion to this year's Sony Open.
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