(Tulsa) The Chilean Guillermo “Mito” Pereira, who is only playing his second Major tournament, remains the leader halfway through the 4and and last round of the PGA Championship, one step ahead of two Americans, Will Zalatoris and Cameron Young, Sunday in Tulsa (Oklahoma).
Posted at 5:35 p.m.
Almost unknown player before this weekend, far from his 100and world place, Pereira can make a name for himself. The 27-year-old golfer could indeed become the first rookie to win a Grand Slam event since Keegan Bradley, winner of the 2011 PGA Championship.
He could also become the seventh player to make a Major his very first title, six years after Danny Willett at the Augusta Masters.
But he will have to resist the pressure, because his lead of three shots at the start of the last round was reduced to one after the first nine holes (-7).
He committed three bogeys at N.3, N.7 and N.8, mitigated by a birdie at N.5.
Meanwhile, Zalatoris found himself balanced with two birdies (4and and 5and holes) and two bogeys. On the first, at 6andhe came close to disaster when his drive landed in the bushes beyond the boundary.
Scooping a penalty ball, the 30and world managed a superb approach then the putt, to limit the breakage.
Deferred, he nevertheless saw Cameron Young swoop down on him, author of three birdies and two bogeys. 38and world, in a clearly more positive momentum could end up stronger.
Whoever wins on the Southern Hills course is likely to be a first, as England’s Matt Fitzpatrick, 4and two lengths from Pereira, is also looking for a first major title.
Unless Justin Thomas, 5and four shots, does his experience speak for himself to lift the trophy again five years later.