Date: September 03, 2012
Author: Omnisport

Oosthuizen leads, Aussies well back

Louis Oosthuizen shot a sublime 63 to take charge at the Deutsche Bank Championship, while the Australian contingent is well off the pace. The South African was on track for a sub-60 round after he picked up eight birdies in his first 10 holes, before eventually signing for an eight-under 63 to lead by three strokes after the third round at 19 under overall. Overnight leader Rory McIlroy, having done little wrong, was seven strokes off the lead at one stage before hunting down Oosthuizen with a 67 to sit second heading into the final round. McIlroy looked on track for a big round at the second when he manufactured an early eagle chance but saw his playing partner Oosthuizen unleash a staggering sequence of birdies after both had to settle for one at the par-five hole. Oosthuizen embarked on a run of seven consecutive birdies from the fourth to the 10th holes and barely missed a putt as he became the first man to break the 30 mark for the opening nine at Club Boston. The 2010 Open champion attacked every pin and had hopes of a record round before he wilted in the run home to manage a bogey and six pars to go with his birdie at the final hole. Tiger Woods is still in contention in a tie for third with Dustin Johnson at 13 under after a wayward day off the tee. Woods recovered with some splendid iron play and finished well with birdies at 15 and 16 to card a 68 and sit six shots off the pace. Americans Bryce Molder and Ryan Moore are tied at 11 under with compatriots Charley Hoffman and Jason Dufner at 10 under. John Senden is the best of the Australians at eight under after a two-under 70, while British Open runner-up Adam Scott is one shot further back at seven under. Meanwhile, Phil Mickelson posted a third consecutive 68 to tie for ninth at nine under while former world number Luke Donald is at four under, joined by British Open winner Ernie Els. Click for LIVE SCORES