Chris Kirk has withdrawn from next week’s British Open at St. Andrews after breaking his hand, and been replaced in the field by fellow American Kevin Streelman. The American had a seven-foot putt at the last for a share of second, but pushed it wide. “We practiced hard. I’ll go out there and I’ll just do my best, like what I practice”.
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He was in 82nd place on the points list going into the week; the top 70 at the conclusion of the World Golf Championships-Bridgestone Invitational on August 9 earn spots in the 97th PGA Championship, August 10-16 at Whistling Straits.
Jordan Spieth’s decision to compete in this week’s PGA Tour event in the United States has cast a spotlight on the best way to prepare for the British Open – whether or not to play links golf in advance.
Jordan will head into Sunday’s final round with a two shot lead over Danny Lee, who won his first PGA Tour victory just last week at the Greenbrier Classic, and the two will be paired in the final grouping that heads off at 12:40 p.m. local time.
Shawn Stefani, Justin Thomas and Johnson Wagner are only three shots back at 14 under.
In Gee Chun, playing in her first U.S. Open, shot a second 2-under 68. You know, I think it’s going to be a fun day. “I said, ‘Yeah, but I appreciate this and I really want to make this thing.'”.
There were two delays during the third round – a 57-minute stoppage for lightning and a 1 hour and 51 minute suspension because of heavy rain. He lost to Spieth in the playoff the next year and finished one shot behind victor Brian Harman last year.
But Lewis had a three-putt bogey on No. 17 on the way to a 69, giving Yang a three-shot advantage heading into the final round.
Then from 106 yards out, Spieth holed out for eagle with a sand wedge – a shot he admitted afterward he mishit and might have missed club on.
Spieth also made six birdies.
“I think it’s one of the strengths of my game”.
Having begun the day eight shots off the pace, Spieth was soon on the move, registering an eagle at the par-five second hole after putting his approach within three feet, before adding three birdies on the front nine to take the turn in 30.
But Gillis played his final six holes at even par.
Jerry Smith tied a tournament record with an 8-under 64 to take a three-shot lead after the second round of the Encompass Championship in Glenville, Ill. Phil Mickelson shot a 70 and is nine strokes back.
He tied the tournament’s 18-hole record set by Russ Cochran previous year in this Champions Tour event.
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Zach Johnson, who stands four back of Spieth, was on an adjacent hole and heard the crowd roar for Spieth’s eagle at 17, saying it sounded like those elicited by such legends as Jack Nicklaus and Woods.
