Date: January 13, 2013
Author: Omnisport

Gardiner on song in Hawaii

Australian rookie Scott Gardiner is well placed for a first US PGA Tour title after shooting an impressive third round at the Sony Open in Hawaii. Gardiner posted a solid 65 on Sunday and will head into the final round just four shots off the lead, held duly by a pair of American rookies. Russell Henley and Scott Langley finished the third round at 17 under overall to be three shots clear of their nearest rival at the head of proceedings. Experienced South African Tim Clark is in sole position of third place at 14 under, while Charles Howell III and Gardiner are a further shot adrift. Henley started the day two shots clear of Langley, but that advantage was quickly whittled away. Langley made five birdies during his first 10 holes and then picked up another at 13 to claim the outright lead from his American compatriot. But Henley rolled in a nice birdie putt at the final hole to level proceedings as the duo finished their round tied at the top. While the rookies are in pole position to claim the PGA Tour title, there are a host of big names still in touch should either of the 23-year-old Americans falter. Talented Kiwi Danny Lee and Australia&aposs Matt Jones are just five shots back at minus 12, while multiple winner on the PGA Tour, Matt Kuchar, is tied for 10th with Marc Leishman at 11 under. Australian veteran John Senden is tied for 19th a minus nine, while compatriot Alistair Presnell shares 24th another shot back.