Third-round leader Patrick Rodgers will be playing for his first PGA Tour title and a Masters invitation on Sunday at the Valero Texas Open at TPC San Antonio.
Rodgers shot 1-under-par 71 to sit at 12-under 204 at the Oaks Course, good for a one-stroke lead. He posted three birdies but bogeyed the par-4 sixth and par-5 18th holes to finish on a down note.
“I think we all know what’s at stake with a win out here,” Rodgers said. “I haven’t gotten the job done in my career, but it’s quite a thrill. This is why I play, why I compete and I can’t wait to get out there tomorrow.”
Rodgers, 30, is making his 235th Tour start. He has led events after 54 holes four times and has three second-place finishes.
“There’s a lot of guys chasing and great players out here,” Rodgers said. “Obviously, there’s no better place to be than to have an advantage, but it’s going to take a great round in order to get it done.”
One shot back is 2019 Texas Valero Open champion Corey Conners of Canada, who carded a 69 with seven birdies, two bogeys and a double bogey at the par-4 sixth hole.
“I’ve been working hard over the last number of years to try to get back in the winner’s circle and give myself some opportunities and feel like this is a great opportunity here,” Conners said. “I love this golf course and feel really comfortable out here. Yeah, it’s going to be a fun battle, but I’ll be giving it my all.”
Matt Kuchar (9 under) is alone in third after his 3-under 69, while Sam Stevens (68) and Chris Kirk (69) are tied for fourth at 8 under.
Ireland’s Padraig Harrington, 51, is among six golfers tied for sixth at 7 under after posting a 68. The three-time major champion could become the third-oldest tournament winner in PGA Tour history should he triumph on Sunday.
Former Masters champion Hideki Matsuyama (68 on Saturday) is among six golfers tied for 12th at 6 under.
Defending champion J.J. Spaun is tied for 30th at 3 under after his 70.
Rickie Fowler, among a group of players who must win the Texas Open in order to qualify for next week’s Masters, is tied for 43rd at 2 under after his 71.
The second round was suspended due to darkness on Friday and completed Saturday with the cut at even par.
–Field Level Media
