Date: March 19, 2017
Author: Martin Blake

Leishman in with a chance in Florida

 

Australian Marc Leishman remains in contention at the Bay Hill Invitational on the PGA Tour of the United States through three rounds.

Compatriot Greg Chalmers also is on the leaderboard, although teenager Ryan Ruffels fell back and Jason Day has been off his game.

Leishman, the Victorian, carded a third-round 71 and at eight-under, is three shots from the lead held by American Kevin Kisner in the tournament devoted to the memory of the late Arnold Palmer.

Tied-third going into tomorrow's final round, Leishman is looking for his first win on tour since 2012.

Asked afterward what his lessons from contending on previous Sundays would be, he said: "Just be patient again. Whenever you play well, I feel like that's what you say, but that's what you got to do out here. You can, like today, bogey the first, and there is birdie opportunities out there if you're hitting good shots.

"So, definitely stay patient, try and leave myself below the hole, so you can give those putts, knock them in a with a bit of speed, because it's tough when you're trying to dribble them in, they can just break off and miss very easily."

Chalmers had a 69 and is five shots from the lead, while Cameron Smith is tied-15th, Aaron Baddeley tied-24th and Jason Day tied-39th. Ruffels, who was in contention after the first round, struggled to a four-over 76 and is outside the top 60.

On the LPGA Tour's Founders Cup, Sarah Jane Smith (21st) and Katherine Kirk (24th) are the leading Australians.