PALM BEACH GARDENS FL. Chris KirksThe PGA Tours last win was almost eight years ago. He is now in a position that can change that at the Honda Classic.
Kirk battled to a 4-under round 66 on Saturday. That put him at 13-under 193 for the week, giving him a two shot lead. Eric Cole(66) through three rounds on PGA National
His most recent win was at Colonial in 2015. This was 180 tournaments ago. He is a four-time winner of the tour, played in 2015s Presidents Cup, and has been waiting for a trophy to be hoisted again.
Kirk made a wild shot on the last hole. His second shot on par-5 18th ended up right next to the grandstand, and under someones bag that was against structure. He chipped on, got a drop and made the putt to regain a two-shot lead.
Cole remained in the mix with his second consecutive round 66.
Cole said that it was amazing. Ive never played in this event before. I tried a lot of times to qualify… Its a great experience and I enjoy every moment of it.
Justin SuhHe holed out from fairway for an eagle on par-4 12th. He is currently third at 10 under. He shot even-par 70 on Saturday.
Shane Lowry(65) is 9-under and right in the mix after having a chance at winning the Honda last year up to the 72nd hole. He is tied with Ben Taylor (69).
Lowry stated that if he can just sit around all day, he hopes he can give himself a chance down the stretch. I believe I did what I needed to today.
Among those watching: the defending champion Sepp StrakaHe followed up his opening rounds of 69, 68 and 66 with a 66 Saturday. Hes now 7 under for this week, six shots behind. Straka shot his sixth consecutive round in the 60s at PGA National.
Straka stated that although its a difficult test, if you hit it well, you can score.
Kirk and Straka both went to the University of Georgia. Kirk was there to celebrate Strakas first win at Honda one year ago.
We stay together every day. Straka stated that he is often the one who gets us a home. Ive had the pleasure of getting to know Chris over the past few years. He is one of my closest friends. Hes been playing excellent golf for a few years now. Its not surprising, especially at this course.
Sunday is a big day. Two players have a chance to qualify for the Players Championship by finishing in the top 50 of the world. Min Woo LeeHe struggled to a 73 Saturday and is tied at 58th at even par through 54 of his holes. Adrian MeronkAt 4 under, it is tied for 20th.
Lee started the week at No. 47; Meronk started No. 53.
DIVOTS:
Ryan Brehm(64) made a huge move Saturday. Starting the round tied for 60th, and finishing tied 15th at 5-under205. … Akshay BhattiaAfter playing a ball in the water, he needed to change into a new outfit. He was shirtless for the shot, one of two shirtless escapades he had during his round. His girlfriend brought him a different outfit. It was really gross. Bhatia said that it was really, really gross.
