Golf-Snedeker takes one-stroke lead at Phoenix (Reuters)
February 27, 2010
SCOTTSDALE, Arizona, Feb 27 (Reuters) – American BrandtSnedeker birdied four of his last eight holes to surge to aone-stroke lead over compatriot Scott Piercy at the PhoenixOpen on Saturday.
Snedeker withstood windy conditions for a five-under 66 toput him at 14-under for a total 199 after three rounds at TPCScottsdale.
“The back nine the wind kicked up and it was playing reallytough,” Snedeker told reporters. “But I played really good.”
The 29-year-old birdied the 11th, 13th, 15th and 17th holesfor the strong finish as he seeks his second PGA Tour victory.
“Made one mistake on 14 and was able to make a long putt tosave bogey,” Snedeker said. “Besides that, I’m rolling itgreat.”
He also had birdies at his first and seventh holes.
Piercy used eagles at three and 10 for a 65 to enterSunday’s final round at 13-under 200. That put him one strokeahead of fellow Americans Matt Every (68) and Rickie Fowler(69).
Second round co-leaders Camilo Villegas and Mark Wilsonwere less successful.
Colombian Villegas needed birdies on his final two holes tofinish at even par 71. He had four bogeys in the round to trailEvery and Fowler by a stroke.
American Wilson shot a 72 to join a group of nine at 203that includes three-time winner Mark Calcavecchia.
Calcavecchia birdied three of his four final holes tofinish at four-under 67.
“Today was basically saved on the last two holes,” said the49-year-old Calcavecchia. “I made two 30-footers after makingnothing the first 16 holes.”
Two-time champion Phil Mickelson faded to 208 with a 72.
As usual a boisterous crowd of thousands greeted golfers atthe par-three 16th.
“It was crazy,” Snedeker said, “about as insane as I’veseen it … I’m glad I made par and got out of there before Igot booed too bad.”
“I love it,” he said of the notorious hole.
“You’ve got to take it with a grain of salt and realisethat golf needs that. We need people out here having fun, beingexcited about being at a golf tournament.”
(Reporting by Gene Cherry in Salvo, North Carolina. Editingby Ian Ransom; To query or comment on this story emailsportsfeedback@thomsonreuters.com)
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