ST. SIMONS ISLAND in Georgia Patrick RodgersHe made four birdies in a row late Saturday, and finished the round with a par save for 6-under 64. This gave him a share of first place. Ben MartinHe will be competing in the RSM Classic as well as another chance to win his first PGA Tour title.
Martin looked poised to match that score, but he fell short on the 18th green. He chipped to just 5 feet and missed his par putt. He was able to score a 65.
They were at 14-under 198 for the final PGA Tour event. It was far from a two man race.
Ten players were within two shots (a group that included) of the lead. Sahith Theegala (68), Brian Harman(64) Harry HiggsFor a 70, he was at the top of the leaderboard at the beginning of the day. He had a 25-foot birdie on the last hole.
Cole HammerHe graduated from Texas in May, and was playing on a sponsor exemption. He was tied for first going into the weekend. Through five holes, he was 4 over and managed a 72. He was still four shots behind.
After Augusts end of last season, Rodgers pressed the reset button and created a plan with Jeff Smith, their swing coach. This plan involves incremental improvements. It seems to be working. He tied for third in Bermuda just three weeks ago, and has been a consistent presence at the fall events.
Rodgers was the top-ranked amateur worldwide in his last year at Stanford. He makes his 226th start on PGA Tour and is still searching for his first victory.
It wasnt difficult to get in. He putt a 25-foot birdie, and then he got in the mix at 6 feet on 14th. On 15th, he made an 8 foot birdie, and then he putted a 30-footer on 16th.
I feel like I put together an offseason with Jeff Smith. Rodgers said that they had a great plan. I feel more comfortable. Its a difficult game and its always nice when hard work pays off.
Eight players at the top have yet not won on the PGA Tour.
Theegala had his chances in his rookie year which saw him reach Tour Championship. Taylor Pendrith(65) gained a lot of experience playing in his first Presidents Cup in Sept. Taylor MontgomeryA strong start to his rookie year with five top-15 finishes. He is now up to No. 65 in the entire world.
Martins lone PGA Tour win came in Las Vegas eight year ago.
Adam SvenssonCanada was the most successful with a 62. This included an eagle on Theegalas par-5 15th hole. Andrew PutnamHe also shared the 36 hole lead with. He saved par on the last hole by putting in a bunker.
