Despite the push from American Tom Hoge, Argentinian Emiliano Grillo managed to hold onto the lead at the Mayakoba Golf Classic, signing a 68 (-3) third round in Playa Del Carmen, Mexico.
After pulling in a second round of 63, Grillo was less sparkling on Saturday. His five birdies and two bogueys nevertheless allowed him to maintain his position as leader and to increase his record to 197 (-16). His lead over Hoge shrank in one fell swoop, however.
The American had a great day, concluding with a 65 (-6) card. Hoge was particularly impressive at the end of the course, as he wedged five birdies on his last six holes. He had also managed two in the first half of the course. Hoge committed only one bug, on the 10th pennant.
Norway’s Viktor Hovland came close to third, two shots from the head, thanks to a third round of 63 (-8) in which he recorded nine birdies and one boguey.
The performance of the day, however, belongs to Justin Thomas, who completed the course with a score of 62 (-9). The American wedged nine birdies and jumped 28 spots to settle in fifth. With a cumulative score of 201 (-12), he is four strokes behind Grillo.
The only Canadian to qualify for the final rounds, Corey Conners finished the course with a mark of 68 (-3) and increased his cumulative to 205 (-8). With a round to go, he is 20th, eight strokes from the top.
Hot wrestling at The Colony
On the LPGA side, Yealimi Noh of the United States stayed first at the Volunteers of America Classic with a 71-round third round on Saturday at The Colony, TX.
Noh was joined at the top by South Koreans So Yeon Ryu and Inbee Park. The first finished the day with a card of 65 (-6) while the second had a score of 69 (-2).
The leaders have a cumulative 209 (-4) and are just one stroke ahead of a group of seven golfers who share second place. The American Jessica Korda, who was comeneuse after two rounds, as well as the English Charley Hull, first at the end of the initial round, are part of the group.
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