A closing bogey cost Darren Clarke a place in the top five going into the final round of the PGA Tour Champions’ James Hardie Pro Football Hall of Fame Invitational at Broken Sound in Boca Raton, Florida.
The unique event, pairing golf legends with Pro Football Hall of Famers, is at the site of Clarke’s first ever Champions Tour success, and despite changes in the interim, it still fits his eye nicely.
Two birdies and a double bogey saw the 2011 Open champion turn at level-par, but three birdies in the first four on the back took him to -5 and within touching distance of the lead. Two bogeys and a birdie in his final four saw him lose a little ground and fall six back as Argentina’s Ángel Cabrera surged into the lead.
Cabrera carded a seven-under 65, featuring two eagles, to reach 10-under for the tournament, giving him a two-stroke advantage.
“It was a fantastic day,” Cabrera said. “The eagles really boosted my momentum, and I’m feeling confident heading into tomorrow.” His round included a precise 3-wood into the par-5 6th, setting up a tap-in eagle, and a holed bunker shot on the 14th.
Trailing Cabrera, Jerry Kelly of Wisconsin, posted a four-under 68, placing him at eight-under 136. Kelly, paired with football legend Warren Sapp, noted, “The energy out here with these football guys is unreal. I fed off it today—kept it steady with a few birdies.” His round featured a tricky up-and-down on the 17th for par, showcasing his short-game prowess.
Meanwhile, Retief Goosen sits at seven-under after a 67, highlighted by a 20-foot birdie putt on the 9th. “The course is playing firm, but I’m striking it well,” Goosen remarked.
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