(Palm Harbor) Davis Riley set a tournament record with a 62 and took the lead two shots at the Valspar Championship on Saturday.
Posted yesterday at 9:06 p.m.
A rookie player, Riley dodged the bogey and birdied nine en route to a total of 195 minus 18.
Riley wrapped up the front nine with a streak of three birdies in four holes.
He sits two strokes ahead of Matthew NeSmith (69) and three strokes ahead of Justin Thomas (66) and defending champion Sam Burns (67). The latter signed an eagle on the first hole.
Riley and Thomas grew up with the University of Alabama and are good friends.
“At this point in a tournament, anyone could be a little nervous, even more a rookie,” Thomas said. But he made it seem very easy to him. He looked like a rock star. »
NeSmith had four birdies on the front nine, including one on a 15-foot putt.
He did, however, commit four bogeys in the second half – his first of the tournament.
Thomas shot 66 for the third straight day.
“With Davis’ score, my round didn’t look that great,” Thomas said. But I know I put myself in a good position for Sunday. »
Canadian Adam Hadwin is fifth at 13, after a 70. This is his worst card of the tournament.
The British Columbian had previously played 64 and 66.
Hadwin’s only PGA title came at this tournament five years ago.
His compatriot Adam Svensson is at seven under, the result of a 67 – his best score of the competition.
Nick Taylor, also of Canada, is an additional stroke behind with a 68.