PUNTA CAANA, Dominican Republic Nicolai HojgaardDenmark’s bogeyless Saturday round of 66 earned them a share of the lead with rookies on the PGA Tour. Sam StevensCorales Punta Cana Championship
Stevens held the lead for the Corales stretch twice until it was too late. He made bogey at the 16th and answered with a birdie on 17th. Then he missed the 18th green, which resulted in a closing bogey.
They were at 14-under 200, 1 shot ahead a large group that included a 36-hole leader Matt WallaceEngland Thomas DetryBelgium and Tyler DuncanHe won his 2019 PGA Tour title at Sea Island.
“Sixteen, I misjudged wind and sliced it and made an ugly bogey there. Stevens stated that 18 was the worst number. “I just hit a bad shot.” “That was my worst swing. I felt pretty good about everything else.”
All four players had to deal the relentless wind, particularly during the final holes that will likely decide the tournament.
Hojgaard is the 22-year old twin of Rasmus HojgaardTwo-time European tour winner,, is currently playing on a sponsor exemption.
“In Denmark, it is quite windy all of the time, so it’s very windy there, but it’s still windier here than it normally is,” he stated. “Feeling comfortable. You can feel comfortable once you hit a few shots that the ball does exactly what it is supposed to do. Then you can just keep going. It’s about learning to use the wind as your friend, rather than fighting it every time.
Hojgaard missed just one green.
Detry, a 65-year-old, seems to have a special affinity for resort ocean courses. He finished 1 shot behind in Bermuda’s final round last fall and almost won the title. Seamus Power.
Detry is the No.1 player in the field. Although he is No. 82, a win would not get him into the Masters and make the top 50. Punta Cana is an event on the opposite field, so winning will not get him to Augusta National.
Detry stated, “I’ve been there a few times and I’m just not thinking about the win.” “I’m going to enjoy tomorrow, play as I did today. You never know what might happen. I don’t have any expectations. I’m going to try to enjoy tomorrow, just as I’ve been playing for the last three days.
Hojgaard would be eligible for a two-year exemption from the PGA Tour if he wins. He is No. 28 on the Race to Dubai points lists in Europe. The PGA Tour membership for this year is open to the top 10 players, if they are not already exempt.
Wyndham ClarkHad a 69 and joined the group on 13-under 203. Wallace made a double bogey at the third hole, but he was able to recover to save a 70. He is now in good form for Sunday.
