Derek Fathauer takes OHL Classic lead as Graeme McDowell falls back
Sunday 15 November 2015 23:54, UK
Derek Fathauer carded a bogey-free six-under 66 to earn a one-shot lead heading into the final round of the OHL Classic as Graeme McDowell fell back at Mayakoba in Mexico.
Fathauer has the chance to extend an unusual streak on the PGA Tour by becoming the sixth straight first-time winner of the opening six PGA Tour events at the start of the wraparound season.
"I've just got to have fun, play golf, play my game, and whatever happens will happen," he said.
Fathauer is 16 under for the tournament, one clear of Jason Bohn, who missed a five-foot par putt on the final hole at El Camaleon Golf Club.
McDowell, who led going into the third round, saw that advantage disappear when he took another double-bogey on the par-four opening hole.
He has now has played the hole at five over for the week and after following that with a bogey, he spent the rest of the round trying to catch up.
A 12-foot birdie on the 17th allowed him to salvage a 70 to sit 13 under.
"I've got to get past that first hole, which is kind of killing me," McDowell said. "The game is in really good shape. Apart from two driver swings, I'm really happy with the general progress."
He also hit a drive well right on the par-five 13th that led to a bogey.
Bohn earlier led on the par-five 13th hole with a 25-foot eagle putt right before the third round was halted for nearly 90 minutes because of storms in the area.
He had to scramble for pars late in his round and couldn't save the last one, ending the day with a 65.
Russell Knox also made bogey on the last hole for a 65 to join McDowell on 13 under alongside Justin Leonard (67) and PGA Tour rookie Harold Varner III, who made an 18-foot par putt on the last hole for a 68.
