COLLIN Morikawa fired a 64 to open up a five-shot lead on Saturday after 54 holes at the Hero World Challenge in the Bahamas.
Morikawa sits at 18-under 198 heading into Sunday’s final round. Brooks Koepka is a distant five shots back, alone in second place at 13-under par.
Five players are tied for third at 12-under. Second-round leader Bryson DeChambeau is ninth at 10-under after a 73.
Morikawa’s round was bettered only by Harris English, who carded a 63 to shoot into 11th place, 10 shots back.
Morikawa posted a clean round, finishing with six birdies and an eagle on the par-5 third hole. Despite the big lead, Morikawa said he won’t change anything on Sunday.
“Look, I think the game plan I have so far — it’s not like I’m playing crazy or I’m playing stupid — I’m playing to my strengths and that’s what I have to stick with,” Morikawa said. “I’m going to keep doing what I do and if I don’t feel comfortable on a tee shot, maybe play back, but overall, I feel really good about the game so far.”
Koepka, who posted five birdies against one bogey, is quite aware of the ground he has to make up.
“Five back, so I’ve got to do something,” Koepka said. “It’s always nice to be in the last group, but still got to play good.”
Although the Hero is not considered an official Professional Golfers’ Association (PGA) Tour event and does not award FedExCup points, it does award Official World Golf Rankings points. — Reuters