Green retains lead in Illinois
Nathan Green took another step towards a maiden PGA Tour victory after carding a three-under-par 68 to maintain a one-shot lead going into the final round of the John Deere Classic.
Green, who also started Saturday with a one-stroke cushion, recorded six birdies against three bogeys at TPC Deere Run to move to 15 under par overall.
After firing a spectacular eight-under 63 on Friday, Green looked on course to repeat the feat after birdies at the first, fifth, sixth and eighth improved his score to 16 under through eight holes.
But the 32-year-old faltered with a pair of bogeys at the 10th and 11th before bouncing back with birdies at the next two holes.
Another bogey on the par-five 17th followed before Green finished his round with a par at the last.
“It is hard to commit 100% to shots when you’re so worried about the outcome,” he said. “But this week has been a little bit different. Today, especially on the front nine, I know I pretty much hit most shots where I wanted to hit them. Hopefully I can do more of that.”
Boasting just seven top-10 finishes in his one-and-a-half seasons on the PGA Tour, Green recorded his best career finish last year at the Buick Invitational when he was the runner-up to Tiger Woods.
“I think you probably look at leaderboards a little bit and realise – you’re always curious about what's going on,” added Green, who has never led a tournament through three rounds.
“If you’re behind, you’re trying to make as many birdies as you can. I think a little bit, especially toward the back nine, you sort of have to play a little bit according to your position.”
Tim Clark made a late charge to finish his round in sole possession of second place at 14 under.
The South African recorded seven birdies – including three in a row to end his round – against just two bogeys to card a five-under-par round of 66 as he also bids for an inaugural PGA victory.
“I’m looking for my first win out here too,” said Clark. “You can throw me in that same boat. Everyone out here on the leaderboard is a great player, so it’s certainly going to take a low round for someone to win.”
American Jonathan Byrd climbed to third after firing a six-under-par 65. The man from South Carolina was tied with Clark for second overall before bogeying the 18th.
Americans Brian Gay and Kenny Perry are tied for fourth overall at 12 under par, while England’s Greg Owen was already out of the event having failed to make the halfway cut.
