Jimmy Walker ahead in the Sony Open

Report by Anand Datla

January 17, 2015: At the start of the third day, Jimmy Walker was lying four behind the leading group. The defending champion though soared right in front on Saturday with a stunning 62 to earn a two shot lead going into the final round. Walker finished at 16-under to jump seven spots and snatch the lead from Matt Kuchar. The latter shot 68 in the third round to end the day at 14-under, one stroke ahead of Brian Harman and Troy Merritt.

So for the second week running, Walker will have the joy of teeing off last on a Sunday. This time he shall sure hope to do one better than last week, when he lost the Hyundai Tournament of Champions in a tense play-off.

Walker one putted through the last eleven holes at the Waialae Country Club on Saturday as he set himself up to defend the title he won last year. He made birdies on six of the final nine holes to surge ahead of overnight leaders Matt Kuchar, Webb Simpson and Justin Thomas.

But Walker will have stiff competition and a ten year wait to wipe when he seeks to defend the title on Sunday. No golfer since Ernie Els in 2004 has succeeded in winning consecutive titles in Hawaii.

Kuchar will be among the men chasing Walker down the final stretch. Kuchar birdies two of the last three holes in round three to finish strong and remain in contention.

Justin Thomas and Webb Simpson had decent outings, but with low scoring the norm, that was far from enough. Thomas made an even 70 on Saturday to slip into fifth alongside Tim Clark at 12-under through 54 holes.

Simpson slipped into a large group of men lying in eighth at 10-under after signing off on a two-over 72 in the third round. K J Choi was among that group, eleven strong, after shooting a brilliant 65. Choi’s effort contained six birdies, all of which came after he was one over through five holes.