Davis Riley has put himself into position to win on the PGA TOUR for the first time in two years as the 29-year-old posted a bogey free seven-under-par third round to lead into Sunday of the Rocket Classic by one stroke at 15-under.
The two-time PGA TOUR winner made Detroit Golf Club look easy, making three birdies on the front nine. Another red digit came at the 10th, followed by another at the 14th but it was Riley’s strong finish that separated him from the chasing pack.
Taking his second shot from the rough at 17, Riley dug it out to hit the green, leaving a monstrous 53ft putt for birdie which he of course drained. Raising his putter in the air, it seemed Riley knew then that he is in prime position to get the job done. Using the momentum from 17, Riley made another birdie at the last.
Starting the event 146th in the FedEx Cup rankings, a win on Sunday will see Riley inside the top 70 and with a spot in the FedEx Cup playoffs.
“There’s been a lot of ups and downs,” Riley said. “I’m just excited that I’ve started to put the things together and have a chance.”
Michael Brennan is breathing down Riley’s neck at the 24-year-old posted a 64. Brennan had the opportunity to share the lead with Riley heading into the final 18 holes but a two-putt bogey at the last nulled that chance.
“It was really nice to get off to such a hot start, kind of get you into the round and know that you’re playing good and you’ve kind of got a game for the day,” Brennan said. “Really felt confident on the greens and rolled the ball positively. Just going to try to keep doing more of that tomorrow.”
There is a four-way tie for T3 as Rasmus Hojgaard, Chris Kirk, Rickie Fowler, and Cam Young all sit at 12-under. Hojgaard posted the lowest round of the day, a bogey free 61, to climb 60 places in the leaderboard.
“It was a good day. Felt like my whole game sort of came together today and that was good fun to finally experience that again,” Højgaard said. “Today I stayed present, I didn’t get ahead of myself and yeah, that’s the game plan for tomorrow, take one hole at a time.”
Rickie Fowler is looking to end his three year winless drought. His sixth and last win being at the Rocket Classic in 2023. After a lacklustre front nine, Fowler did well to find a groove on the back as he made three birdies to post a 67.
“I know where I’m at and all that. Obviously would like to just play well and have a good week here,” Fowler said Thursday. “Play well this week, enjoy some days at home, rest up because it’s going to be a hot, sweaty, muggy run to the finish.”
Cam Young couldn’t find the form that saw him produce a 61 on Friday as he had to settle for a two-under-par 68 on Saturday. Young remains in a prime position to secure his third win of the season.
Sunday’s final round sets for great viewing as all is not sealed yet with 15 players sit within five strokes of the Riley at the top.
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