Three rounds are complete at the Valero Texas Open, the final tune-up before the Masters. Here’s a quick look at what you need to know heading into Sunday’s final round.
Kim continues to lead
Si Woo Kim remains the man to beat heading into Sunday. He didn’t benefit from jarring an ace this time, but he came close!
Si Woo Kim had a hole-in-one on the 16th hole Friday.
On Saturday, he nearly did it again. 🎯 pic.twitter.com/vwmgi3xc8I
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) April 6, 2019
Kim shot a steady, three-under 69 to hang on to a one-shot lead (-15) over Canadian Monday-qualifier Corey Conners. Kim will play in a threesome with Conners and former Valero champ Charley Hoffman, who shot the round of the day, a 64, to pull to within two shots of Kim.
Headliners tread water
Other big names hung around but are unlikely to seriously threaten on Sunday. Matt Kuchar shot 67 to climb to nine under, six back. Rickie Fowler stumbled to a 73 and is at seven under. Both players will board chart flights Sunday afternoon bound for Augusta, where they’ll chase their first career major championship titles.
Spieth rides the roller coaster
If Jordan Spieth plays his way into contention at the Masters next week, you might point to his final seven holes in Round 3 at the Valero as the moment where he finally found his groove. Playing in the final group with Kim, Spieth slogged along for the first nine holes of his Saturday round in six over par and looked for all the world like a lost golfer — which is more or less how you could characterize his 2019 season to this point. But Spieth caught fire over the closing holes, ripping off five birdies over his last seven without making a putt outside seven feet. He signed for 73. Spieth seven under for the event and eight behind Kim, so he’s not going to win this week. But maybe — just maybe — he’s got a little wind at his back for the week ahead.
Never give up on a round …
Jordan Spieth didn't. pic.twitter.com/pf5P2F9e0g
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) April 6, 2019
One more thing
Corey Conners is one back after earning his spot in the field in Monday qualifying. The last Monday qualifier to win on Tour? Arjun Atwal at the 2010 Wyndham Championship.
