3M Open: Lee Hodges takes five-shot lead into final round with defending champion Tony Finau six shots back
Lee Hodges is in solid position to win his first PGA title as he holds a five-shot lead after three rounds of the 3M Open; Watch the final round from Minnesota live on Sky Sports from 7.30pm on Sunday
Sunday 30 July 2023 08:06, UK
Lee Hodges extended his lead to five shots at the 3M Open heading into the final round with JT Poston a distant second and defending champion Tony Finau six shots back.
Hodges carded a 20-under at the TPC Twin Cities to break the tournament 54-hole mark set last year by Scott Piercy.
Hodges led at eight-under after the first round and a record 15-under after the second.
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Without a victory on Tour under his belt, Hodges has been playing without any expectations, allowing him to head into Sunday's final round with little pressure.
"I have nothing to lose. I'm out here playing with house money," Hodges said. "I have a job next year on the PGA Tour, this is all great. This is just icing on the cake."
JT Poston is a distant second after also shooting 66, while defending champion Tony Finau (67) is six shots back in third.
Australia's Aaron Baddeley (65) is seven shots off the pace.
Hodges carded seven birdies and two bogeys in the third round. Five of the birdies came on the back nine as he shot a stellar 31.
"I honestly don't think I'll be that nervous tonight." Hodges said. "I'll hang out with my wife. We'll go do something fun. I mean, yeah, it's just golf at the end of the day. I'm lucky to be here.
Sam Ryder (65), Keith Mitchell (67), Billy Horschel (68) and Kevin Streelman (69) are tied for fifth at 12-under.
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