Viktor Hovland, Jacob Bridgeman and Nico Echavarria were engaged in an exhilarating dogfight for the title at the Valspar Championship. Saturday was simply electrifying, with nail biting dramatic shifts between each of the top contenders leaving everyone breathless. It looks like the tournament at Innisbrook is setting up for a great finish! Only four shots separate 23 players as they head into the final round.
Thomas expressed frustration over his early rounds, as he struggled to gain momentum until sinking an impressive eagle putt from just inside 30 feet on the par-5 11th hole. He acknowledged the power of these types of moments to foster a truly special week so to speak.
"We got on a little four-hole run there and that can be the difference of sparking an entire week or not," said Justin Thomas.
At the same time, Jordan Spieth further dazzled fans with his entertaining style of play, including two birdies from way back in the trees. Even with all his flair, two short par looks gone awry made him have to be happy with a short 67. As things stand, entering Sunday, Spieth still stands just four shots off the lead.
Through the roller-coaster of a day, Viktor Hovland was the man who kept his cool, manteca. His solid all-around performance each week kept him in the top three. His steady hand proved to be the mainstay on a wild Saturday of dogged attacks and favor-flipping breakdowns.
Jacob Bridgeman proved tough on his first try as a 36-hole leader. He slipped four shots back with a double on No. But he bounced back to card a 1-under 70, leaving him deadlocked with Hovland and Echavarria at 7-under 206.
"I was just head down and grind the best I could," remarked Bridgeman about his approach to the round.
Even though Bridgeman wasn’t making his greatest shots, his resolve became clear. He kept his cool and his eye on the prize of hitting fairways in order to stay in it.
"I wasn't hitting it great. I wasn't flustered, I wasn't really freaking out. But I knew if I could get the ball in the fairway I would be fine," Bridgeman added.
Byeong Hun An briefly touched 9 under after making a birdie on the 11th hole. He faltered late, making five bogeys during his final seven holes and closing with a 72. This put him three shots back of the leaders. Germany’s Jeremy Paul, who signed for a 70 today, is within striking distance, sitting only two shots back from the leaders.
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