Noh Heads into Sunday atop Zurich Classic


While 36-hole leader Ben Martin faltered, South Korea's Seung-Yul Noh continued his consistent, stellar play in the $6.8 million PGA Tour event at TPC Louisiana.

The 22-year-old Noh, who has one victory on the European Tour and two on the Asian Tour, fired a 7-under 65 to reach 18-under 198, two shots ahead of Keegan Bradley, who also carded a 65.

Remarkably, through 54 holes Noh has posted 18 birdies and no bogeys. He came into Saturday four strokes behind Martin, who opened with a course-record-setting 10-under 62 and a 67.

In halting English, the lanky youngster said during a greenside interview, "Last two days, ball-striking really good."

As for what he's expecting on Sunday playing alongside Bradley in the final group, he added, "Feel the same. Playing with Keegan, not a problem. Keep playing like first three days."

Bradley, the 2011 PGA champion, was almost as flawless as Noh, posting eight birdies and a lone bogey Saturday.

Alone in third at 15-under is Robert Streb, who shot a 68, while sharing fourth are Jeff Overton (67), Martin (73) and Andrew Svoboda (70).

England's Paul Casey carded the low third round, an 8-under 64, to move into a tie for seventh at 13-under 203 with Charley Hoffman (68). Another stroke back is Tommy Gainey (67).

The 36-year-old Casey, whose only Stateside victory came in the 2009 Shell Houston Open, had two birdies on the front nine before tacking on six more on the back.

Sharing 10th at 11-under 205 are Tim Wilkinson, Danny Lee, Bud Cauley, Retief Goosen, J.B. Holmes and Peter Hanson.

For all the scores, visit http://www.pgatour.com/leaderboard.html.