Watney and Fowler lead AT&T Scott close
BY Bruce Young | US PGA Tour | 2011 AT&T National | Day Three | 03 Jul 2011
The event’s leading world ranked player, Nick Watney, shares the lead with Rickie Fowler heading into the final round of the AT&T National at the Aronomink Golf Club in Philadelphia.
Watney’s stunning third round of 62, which included a closing nine of 27, was the catalyst for his amazing rise on day three. He improved 20 positions to take a share of the lead with Fowler who is still chasing his first PGA Tour victory.
Watney is in the middle of a brilliant season on the PGA Tour having already won and produced six other top tens in 13 starts. He was a disappointment when missing the cut at the US Open but has bounced back here, confirming his standing in this field.
Fowler bogeyed the 17th to slip out of the outright lead but has a chance tomorrow to break through for the much anticipated first victory. Three times a runner-up in his brief career it appears to be only a matter of time for Fowler.
The late run of Watney’s included an eagle from 25 feet at the 16th. His score continued a run of low scores on the outstanding Donald Ross designed layout this week. The previous record of 64 was broken twice today, initially by Chris Kirk then later by Steve Marino and finally by Watney.
Second round leader, K.J. Choi, appeared to be losing his way until a strong finish has created an opportunity to win this event for the second occasion having won the inaugural staging of the event in 2007. Choi is just one behind the leading pair.
Adam Scott recorded a second 66 for the week to be just two behind the lead and shares that position with Webb Simpson and Steve Marino. Scott’s last PGA Tour victory came at the Texas Open last year but he appears on track for his 8th official PGA Tour victory.
Tomorrow’s final round is shaping as an interesting contest with three of the leading six players (Fowler, Simpson and Marino) seeking their first PGA Tour victory, the other three with plenty of winning experience.
Robert Allenby is the next best of the Australians in 20th position.
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