Davis Riley takes the lead after round three at the PGA Tour Sony Open in Hawaii. The race for title defense remains tight.
Davis Riley Takes Lead Despite Mixed Round
After the cut, 74 players continued the weekend at -1 in the PGA Tour event in Hawaii. On Moving Day, Davis Riley climbed to the top of the leaderboard thanks to numerous birdies. Despite an early bogey, the American remained composed and carded a mixed yet effective round with three bogeys and six birdies, including one on the final hole.
Riley commented on the challenging wind and putting conditions: ‘You have to try to sink some putts on the fast greens and with the wind when you get the chance.’
With a day score of -3, Riley stands at a total of -12, holding a two-shot lead going into the final day over contenders Chris Gotterup, Kevin Roy, and Harry Hall.
Harry Hall Positions Himself with Strong Round
Harry Hall delivered an impressive Saturday with a -4 round, moving well up the leaderboard before the final round. Five birdies highlighted his solid performance around and on the greens, with only a bogey at the 15th hole. Last year, Hall finished in the top 10 at the Sony Open in Hawaii, and this time more could be possible for the Englishman.
Title Defense Chances Remain Alive
Defending champion Nick Taylor had to postpone his leadership ambitions on Saturday. Four bogeys and four birdies resulted in an even par for the day. With a total score of -9, he slipped from the lead but remains within striking distance for the final day and potential title defense.
Corey Conners sits just behind, shooting a strong -5 with seven birdies and two bogeys for a total of -8 after Moving Day. Conners caught fire on the back nine, starting a streak of four consecutive birdies from hole 9, earning him the best round of the day. The wind did not bother him: ‘I like it when it’s windy here.’
PGA Tour: Vijay Singh Impresses Across Decades
Possibly the story of the tournament: 62-year-old Vijay Singh made the cut at the Sony Open in his fourth consecutive decade. He is competing at the Sony Open for the 25th time. The 2005 champion shot a -2 on Saturday improving to a total of -4 and heads into the final day currently tied for 32nd place.