Date: January 06, 2019
Author: Martin Blake

Leish spots Woodland four shots

 

 

Marc Leishman is outright third going into the final round of the Tournament of Champions at Kapalua resort in Hawaii, but he needs a low round to catch leader Gary Woodland of the United States.

Only Woodland (17-under) and Rory McIlroy (14-under) are ahead of the Australian through three rounds after he carded a 68 today.

Leishman will need to make up four shots to draw level with Woodland, who drained a 20-metre eagle putt in his third-round 68.

‘‘When you’re trying to play for a trophy, it’s not easy to defend leads,’’ Leishman told AAP’s Evin Priest after the third round.

‘‘It’s been years since I’ve driven it this well and, hopefully, I can drive it like that tomorrow. I will need to because Gary is playing great golf, then Rory is just behind him and, as big hitters, they are likely to make a lot of birdies.’’

The other Australian in the elite field, Jason Day, saw his chances evaporate with a third-round 75 today.