Washington (AFP)
Young American Matthew Wolff took the lead in the Rocket Mortgage Classic golf course on Saturday, three strokes ahead of his pursuers, including world number ten Bryson DeChambeau.
The young 21-year-old, who is looking for his second victory on the American PGA tour this weekend in Detroit, Michigan, made nine birdies, and an eagle in the 14th hole, to reach a total of 19 shots under par, before the last round on Sunday.
Wolff finished the third round with a birdie at 18, the ninth of the day, for a total score of 197, three strokes less than his compatriots DeChambeau and Ryan Armor, who finished in second place in this tournament.
Wolff, who missed the cut last year, said he was very happy with his game which he says he improved by controlling his emotions more.
"My state of mind before attacking this week was to tell me not to worry," said the Californian. "It helps me ease the pressure on my shots and keep the pace. It works pretty well," he added.
If he wins on Sunday, Wolff will become one of the youngest players to win two USPGA victories, after Tiger Woods, double winner at the age of 20.
Classification at the end of the 3rd round in Detroit (USA except mention, par 72):
1. Matthew Wolff 197 (69-64-64)
2. Ryan Armor 200 (69-64-67), Bryson DeChambeau 200 (66-67-67)
3. Chris Kirk 202 (67-65-70), Troy Merritt 202 (68-67-67), Mark Hubbard 202 (67-66-69), Seamus Power (IRL) 202 (67-66-69)
4. Viktor Hovland (NOR) 203 (69-67-67), Luke List 203 (69-67-67), Webb Simpson 203 (68-64-71), Wesley Bryan 203 (69-69-65), Matt Wallace (ENG) 203 (66-69-68)
5. Tyrrell Hatton (ENG) 204 (68-67-69), Scott Harrington 204 (71-66-67), Kevin Chappell 204 (69-69-66), Kevin Kisner 204 (65-69-70), Hideki Matsuyama (JPN) 204 (71-68-65), Fabian Gomez (ARG) 204 (70-68-66)
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