Yokoo heads big name field at Dunlop Phoenix

BY iseekgolf.com | Japan Tour | 2002 Dunlop Phoenix Tournament | Round Three | 23 Nov 2002

Japan’s Kaname Yokoo posted a -2 (69) to head into the final round of the US$1.65 million Dunlop Phoenix at -13. Yokoo, who ironically achieved his best finish on the USPGA Tour this year at the Phoenix Open, holed in three birdies and a bogey for a one shot lead over Ireland’s Darren Clarke, who posted a -6 (65).

Relative unknown Zaw Moe closed in 3rd place at -10 following a second round 68. Moe has struggled with his game for most of 2002, however, his last five tournaments have seen four top 20 placings including a tie for 2nd place at the recent Tokai Classic.

World number one, Tiger Woods again struggled with his putting and closed with a -2 (69) at the Dunlop Phoenix Country Club. Woods posted four birdies and a pair of bogeys to close at -5 and with a deficit of eight strokes from Yokoo.

Sergio Garcia is four strokes off the pace at -9 after a third round of 69, despite a pair of bogeys. Defending champion David Duval finished his round with a 67 to be just five strokes off the lead and alongside Justin Rose.

Kiwi David Smail leads the four man Australasian group at -1 and in equal 26th place. Anthony Gillgan is five strokes back at 4 with Brendan Jones, showing little of the winning form he has enjoyed recently, closing at 7.

Richard Backwell had one of those days that made him look more like a club golfer than a professional after closing with an unbelievable 12, which included three double-bogeys, three bogeys, a quadruple-bogey and a birdie.

Round Three – Australasian Scores
T26 -1 David Smail
T49 4 Anthony Gilligan
T55 7 Brendan Jones
61 15 Richard Backwell