LA QUINTA in California — Jon RahmA hot start was had by me. I shot a 7-under 65 Saturday on PGA West’s Stadium Course to share the lead with tour rookies Davis ThompsonThe American Express
Thompsons run in the Southern California desert desert was over when the 23 year-old carded an impressive 67 on the Stadium Course. Rahm tied Thompson at 23-under 193. Thompson, who led through the first two rounds with five eagles, missed a 35-foot birdie on No. Thompson would have had a 1-stroke lead if he had 18
Thompson and Rahm, the fourth-ranked player in the World and the winner of Kapalua two months ago, will be the last group Sunday on Stadium Course. It was one the three courses that hosted three rounds.
J.T. Poston Christiaan BezuidenhoutThe leader was 4 strokes behind by a shot by Corey, who shot a 10-under-62 on the Nicklaus Tournament Course. Tom Kim, Harry Higgs, Sam Burns Taylor MontgomeryAnother stroke was taken at 18 under.
Rahm said, Nothing but positive, as he will be seeking his ninth tour win. Ball-striking felt amazing. I hit a lot of great shots from the tee. I was able to take advantage of many opportunities with the irons. I took advantage of quite a lot of them. So, Im feeling confident going into tomorrow. I know that Ill have to shoot another low scoring score if I want to win.
Thompson was 2 strokes behind Rahm as he went into Saturday. He teed off seven groups faster than Thompson and took control of the lead with a blistering front 9. This included four birdies as well as an eagle on par-5 fifth. The Spanish star took a breather on the back nine, scoring just two birdies. Thompson then lost his lead by one with a three-putt par-3 17th bogey. He finished his round with a score of par.
Thompson birdied No. Thompson birdied No. 12 to tie Rahm, but then missed a short hole to bogey 14. To tie Rahm, he birdied the 16th par-5.
Thompson stated, Its wonderful. I feel like my rookie year is a success. You can just kind of let it all go. But Im excited about playing with Jon. He is clearly a top-5 player around the world. He is very talented. But Im excited for the challenge and looking forward to tomorrow.
Thompson had four birdies in the front nine.
I felt like a patient player all day and made some puts, he said. Great start. Its always a good thing. I found that the up-and-downs of 5 and 6 were crucial for me to keep the momentum going. I was proud of how patient I was. I didnt try to force anything. I made a terrible bogey on 14, but returned to birdie 16. It was a great way to end.
This field includes five of seven top players worldwide and 10 of 20 top players.
Second-ranked Scottie SchefflerWas in a six-member group at 17 under that included Dylan WuSix consecutive birdies were made by, who was a Nicklaus course player and had a round of 11-under 61.
Sixth-ranked Xander SchauffeleWas in a group with five at 15 under that also included Tony Finau Jason Day. No. 5 Patrick CantlayNo. 7 Will Zalatoris were 11 under.