Bowditch Forges Three-Shot Edge in Valero Texas Open; Mickelson Withdraws


Steven Bowditch has carded three straight sub-70 rounds to take the lead in the Valero Texas Open. The 30-year-old Australian is now hoping for another good outing Sunday in the $6.2 million event at TPC San Antonio in Texas and record his first PGA Tour title.

After opening with a 69 and 67, Bowditch carded a 68 Saturday that included three birdies, an eagle on the par-5 second hole, and a bogey on the par-4 ninth. Through 54 holes he stands at 12-under 204, three strokes ahead of Andrew Loupe (70) and Matt Kuchar.

Though winless on the PGA Tour, Bowditch said he's done well elsewhere and is looking forward to the challenge on Sunday. "I've won four or five times between Australia and Web.com," noted Bowditch, who with a victory this week will earn a spot in the upcoming Masters.

"I've got a little experience, but not a great deal, especially at this level. I've never slept on a lead, so we'll see how we go."

Kuchar fired the low score of the tournament so far, a 7-under 65. The six-time Tour winner was hot right off the bat, firing five birdies on the front nine to make the turn at 5-under 31. On the home half, the 35-year-old Georgian added three more birdies and a bogey for a 34.

Despite his fine round, Kuchar said the course wasn't a cakewalk. "It still wasn't easy," he told reporters. "The wind was up, it was blowing 15 to 20 for most of the day. A complete opposite wind so it was a real kind of learning experience for all of to figure out how to play. I navigated it pretty well out there today."

Four behind Bowditch is Pat Perez, who shot a 69, while five back is Kevin Na, who also carded a 69. Daniel Summerhays (70) and Chad Collins (73) share sixth at 210.

After making the 36-hole cut right on the number of 3-over, Phil Mickelson withdrew Saturday after 10 holes due to a pulled muscle in his right side. Mickelson started play on the 10th tee.

"I pulled a muscle on my downswing trying to hit it hard on the first hole (the 10th)," the fifth-ranked Mickelson said in a statement.

"It just killed and it wouldn't subside for 10 or 12 seconds. I'm going back to San Diego (for) a couple of days and have a doctor look at it, but there's really not much you can do for a pulled muscle. I hope I'll be OK to play the Shell in Houston, but I just don't know."

The five-time major champion - including three Masters' titles - was 1-over par on his round when he was taken off the course in a cart.

His long-time caddie, Jim Mackay, said Mickelson felt a twinge on his opening tee shot and that the pain didn't subside. "It's definitely not his back," Mackay said. "It's his right side."

Mickelson is scheduled to play in next week's Shell Houston Open, the final tournament before the Masters. "The thing he had been talking about is how good his back had been feeling here. He'll definitely play Houston, if he can."

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