Sepp Straka surged to a commanding lead at La Quinta Country Club, shooting an impressive 8-under 64 on Saturday. This performance placed him four shots ahead of competitors Charley Hoffman, Jason Day, and Justin Lower. Straka, the first Austrian-born player to earn a PGA Tour card and win on the circuit, displayed remarkable skill with six birdies on his front nine, setting the stage for his quest to secure his first tour victory.
Straka's round was eventful, characterized by six birdies and two bogeys, demonstrating his ability to navigate the course's challenges. He began the tournament with a 65 on the Nicklaus Course and followed it up with a 64 on the Stadium Course on Friday. As he prepares for the final round back at PGA West on the Stadium Course, Straka remains focused and aware that his work is far from done.
"I think Stadium is the type of course where no lead is safe." – Sepp Straka
Straka understands the significance of maintaining his momentum. He reflected on his first win at the Honda Classic, noting the similarity in course style and emphasizing the importance of consistent ball-striking in securing a victory.
"My first win I got at (the) Honda (Classic), it's a very similar golf course, and there I was five shots back at the start of the day. So no lead is safe. You've just got to keep hitting your spots, and you've really got to strike the ball well out there, so that's really what I'm looking for tomorrow is just a good solid ball-striking round." – Sepp Straka
Jason Day, a former PGA Championship winner, shot a tumultuous 68, placing him at 17-under 199, just behind Patrick Cantlay and Mark Hubbard. Day has become accustomed to starting his season in the Palm Springs area, expressing his fondness for the California desert.
"It's hard not to love this place," – Jason Day
Day's steady performance keeps him in contention despite having only one tour victory since 2018.
Charley Hoffman delivered a bogey-free 69 on the Stadium Course, overcoming early struggles with the greens' deceptive firmness. Hoffman is eager to add another trophy to his collection at the tournament where he secured his first of five career wins back in 2007.
Justin Lower also remains in contention after shooting a 68 on the Stadium Course. Lower reached 20 under with consecutive birdies down the stretch on Saturday but faced challenges with bogeys on his 14th and 17th holes. Like Straka, Lower seeks his first tour victory.
Meanwhile, Straka's confidence extends beyond his golf game. Embracing a new look, he light-heartedly addressed his recent hairstyle change.
"I was kind of losing my hair, so I figured I would get in front of it, so yeah, just (went) ahead and shaved it off," – Sepp Straka
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