Kuchar Jumps to Big Lead in Houston Open


On a windy Saturday, Matt Kuchar carded a stellar 4-under 68 to take a four-shot lead heading into Sunday's final round of the Shell Houston Open. The $6.4 million PGA Tour event - the final tune-up before next week's Masters - began Thursday at the Golf Club of Houston in Humble, Texas.

After opening with rounds of 66 and 67, the 35-year-old six-time Tour winner posted six birdies and two bogeys to reach 15-under 201, four strokes ahead of fellow American Cameron Tringale (69) and 36-hole leader Sergio Garcia of Spain.

"It's a nice position to have played well last week, to have been in the last group with a chance to win and again to come back this week, completely different course and have another shot to win," said Kuchar, who was in contention in the final round of last week's Valero Texas Open but closed with a 75 to finish tied for fourth, two shots behind winner Steven Bowditch.

Entering the third round with a one-shot edge following a 67 and 65, the 34-year-old Garcia had three bogeys and two birdies to drop four strokes off the pace.

Australia's Matt Jones shot a 71 and is in solo fourth at 9-under 207.

Kuchar's round was propelled by three straight birdies on the back nine on hole Nos. 12-14. He'll be looking for his first victory since the 2013 Memorial Tournament.

His 68 matched the low round of the day, a number also carded by Rickie Fowler, who moved into a tie for fifth at 8-under with Ben Curtis (71).

Alone in seventh at 7-under is Shawn Stefani (73), and tied for eighth another stroke back heading into Sunday are Jon Curran (69), J.B. Holmes (71), Retief Goosen (71) and Phil Mickelson (72).

The Tour's only three-time winner this year, Texan Jimmy Walker, was only four shots behind Garcia entering Saturday. But, like many other players, the 35-year-old had a difficult time with the blustery conditions, posting a 5-over 77 to drop into a tie for 23rd at 3-under 213. .

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