DUBLIN, Ohio (Reuters) – American journeyman Spencer Levin stole the limelight from four-times champion Tiger Woods at the Memorial tournament yesterday, twice chipping in to grab a one-shot lead in the wind-buffeted third round.
In pursuit of his first PGA Tour victory, Levin survived a few anxious moments on the back nine to card a three-under-par 69 and take control of the event hosted by golfing great Jack Nicklaus
.
The 27-year-old shrugged off bogeys at the 12th and 16th, then sank a clutch par putt from 14 feet at the 17th to post an eight-under total of 208 at Muirfield Village Golf Club.
Overnight pacesetter Rory Sabbatini of South Africa returned a 71 to finish at seven under, two better than American Rickie Fowler, who birdied two of the last four holes for a 69.
Woods, who briefly led by one shot early in the third round, was alone in fourth at four under, recording four bogeys after the turn for a 73 as winds gusted up to 35 mph (56 kph).
“I had my opportunities to move up that board,” Woods said greenside after covering the back nine in three-over 39.
“I missed a few putts that I should have made. I’m only four back but I’ve still got a lot of work to do tomorrow.”
Woods made a fast start to the third round, sinking a 22-foot birdie putt from the fringe of the green at the par-four first to join Sabbatini in a two-way tie at the top.
Moments later, Woods held the outright lead when Sabbatini bogeyed the opening hole after finding a greenside bunker with his approach.
Woods was briefly caught by Levin and Sabbatini before Levin took control, chipping in from greenside rough to eagle the par-five fifth and grab a two-shot lead.
