Chesson Hadley hits his drive on the 17th hole during the third round of the Puerto Rico Open in Rio Grande, Puerto Rico, yesterday.
Puerto Rico: PGA Tour rookie Chesson Hadley stalled on the back nine before clinging to a one-stroke lead over Danny Lee after the third round at the $3.5m Puerto Rico Open yesterday.
Hadley made four birdies in the first six holes to open up a three-shot cushion at the turn but added only one birdie on the back nine for a five-under-par 67 at the Trump International course in Rio Grande.
“It was frustrating, to be honest,” Hadley told reporters after signing for a 16-under 200 total with one round left.
New Zealander Lee (66) birdied the final three holes to jump into second place on 15-under, with Americans Jason Gore and Jonathan Byrd two shots behind.
Halfway leader James Driscoll plunged seven strokes behind after a 75 that did not include a single birdie.
Low scores were plentiful due to the soft conditions on a course that is fairly generous off the tee, which is why Hadley was not completely thrilled with his score.
“I hit it so well today (but) missed a lot of putts the last 11 holes,” said the 26-year-old from North Carolina, who won twice on the secondary Web.com Tour last year.Reuters
