It is a three-horse race heading into the fourth and deciding round at the Genesis Invitational with Matt Kuchar, Adam Scott and Rory McIlroy occupying a share of the lead on 10 under par, writes ANDRE HUISAMEN.
The American has been sitting a the top of the leaderboard since Thursday’s first round but it was evident on Friday that he will face stern competition as the weekend unfolds.
And that is exactly what one can expect when Sunday’s final round gets underway after Scott and McIlory caught up with Kuchar, making for an interesting conclusion to the competition.
Scott shot a brilliant 4 under par 67 on Saturday, which included six birdies and two bogeys to climb four spots from his overnight position.
The Australian started with a 72 in his first round but fought his way into contention with a 64 on Friday, which left him four shots off the pace.
Scott won the competition back in 2005 when it was still known as the Los Angeles Open and achieved two runner-up positions since then, his most recent in 2016 when Bubba Watson claimed victory by one-stroke.
A strong finish on moving day.@AdamScott‘s 67 on Saturday puts him T1 and in the final group on Sunday @TheGenesisInv.#LiveUnderPar pic.twitter.com/oqvqo7pmXt
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) February 16, 2020
McIlory, who took up his position as the N01 golfer in the world on Monday, was tipped as one of the favourites heading into the start of the competition and the Northern Irishman has been knocking on the door since his second round at the Riviera Country Club.
His 3 under 68 has placed him in a very strong spot to claim the big prize on Sunday and most eyes will be on him when he tees-off.
McIlory’s form on the PGA Tour has been sublime in the past two years and a victory at the Genesis Invitational would be the perfect start to his fifth reign as the world’s best golfer.
????@McIlroyRory‘s 3-under 68 moved him to the top @TheGenesisInv.#LiveUnderPar pic.twitter.com/lbDuECMWH7
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) February 16, 2020
Kuchar, though, can’t be written off and his form over the past three rounds is as good as he has played in a very long time.
Following a controversial 2019, he will be eager to put his name on the trophy and make some noise on the PGA Tour this year.
Back at the top.
Matt Kuchar’s birdie on 17 ties him for @TheGenesisInv lead at 10-under.#QuickHits pic.twitter.com/nEJFfIyp1p
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) February 15, 2020
Photo: David Cannon/Getty Images
