SAN MARTIN, Calif. — Briny Baird picked out his line and pulled off the shot, a driver that settled 15 feet from the cup and led to eagle on the 17th hole Saturday that staked him to a two-shot lead in the Open.
Despite a bogey from a hazard on the final hole, Baird had a 7-under-par 64 to give himself a small cushion over Ernie Els (67) and Paul Casey (68), two players who have a bit more experience winning.
That’s not saying much — Baird has gone 347 tournaments over 12 years without hoisting a trophy on the PGA Tour. This is only the third time he has been atop the leaderboard going into the final round.
There were plenty of other players lining up behind the leaders. Tiger Woods wasn’t among them.
Woods played steadily again for a 3-under 68, although that wasn’t enough on this day.
It was the first time since his season-opening start at Torrey Pines that Woods posted consecutive rounds under 70. Even so, he was nine shots behind in a tie for 38th.
Yang’s 65 takes lead
INCHEON, South Korea — Local youngster Soo-Jin Yang tied the course record (65) as she took over the lead of the LPGA’s Hana Bank Championship, one stroke ahead of world No. 1 Yani Tseng (70) and Nan Yeon Choi (68).
Yang, a 20-year-old who is playing on a sponsor’s invitation, has a two-round total of 10-under 134.
Faxon makes a big move
THE WOODLANDS, Texas — Brad Faxon moved into position for his first Champions Tour title, shooting a 7-under 65 to take a one-stroke lead at the Insperity Championship.
Faxon, an eight-time winner on the PGA Tour who turned 50 on Aug. 1, had a bogey-free round to reach 10-under 134. Tommy Armour III, celebrating his 52nd birthday, was second after a 67. He also is winless on the 50-and-over tour.
Footnotes.
Rickie Fowler shot an 8-under 63 to take a four-stroke lead after the third round of the Korea Open in Cheonana. Fowler, seeking his first professional win, is at 13-under. Y.E. Yang, playing in front of his home crowd, was in second after a 67.
• England’s Lee Slattery extended his lead at the Madrid Masters to two strokes after shooting a 3-under 69 in the third round.
