On windy day, Johnson takes lead

Hilton Head (US), April 21

World No. 1 Dustin Johnson overhauled halfway leader Shane Lowry to open up a one-stroke advantage after the third round of the windswept RBC Heritage on Saturday. Johnson, a South Carolina native, shot a three-under 68 in trying conditions to end on 10-under 203, making his move with three consecutive birdies from the 13th and holding on to his lead despite dropping shots at 16 and 17.

Lowry’s lead evaporated with three bogeys on the back-nine and he finished with an even-par 71, tied for second on 9-under along with Ian Poulter (67) and Rory Sabbatini (68). Six others were tied a shot further back on 8-under 205. 

“I think I have been driving it well,” Johnson said. “That’s a big key around here. The wind direction was a lot different than it has been the last two days. The course played very difficult, especially the last three holes. It was hard to make putts.” 

But make putts he did, none bigger than a 47-footer at the par-three 14th. “I don’t know what to say about that one,” said Johnson. “But it was nice.” 

That birdie got Johnson to within one of Lowry and when he picked up another stroke at the next, the American had his nose in front.

Lowry, who started play shortly after sunrise to complete the final two holes of his second round, was cruising along with a three-stroke lead until the wheels fell off. The 32-year-old dropped a shot on 13 after his tee shot found a bunker, then dropped another at the very next hole when his first shot went into the water. — Reuters