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Russell Henley watches his birdie putt come up short on the 10th green during the first round of the Sony Open golf tournament, Thursday, Jan. 12, 2023, at Waialae Country Club in Honolulu. (AP Photo/Matt York)

Spieth, Kirk share early lead on gorgeous day at Sony Open

Doug Ferguson, The Associated Press 4 minute read Thursday, Jan. 12, 2023

HONOLULU (AP) — Jordan Spieth played about the way he expected Thursday, another sign of growing confidence in his game, as he opened with a 6-under 64 for an early share of the lead with Chris Kirk at the Sony Open.

Harris English had a 65 on a gorgeous day at Waialae Country Club, with a blazing sun and just enough wind to make players think every now and then.

Spieth ended nearly four years without a victory when he won the Texas Open in 2021, and then added another win at Hilton Head last year. Missing on this day was the slow swing rehearsal to ingrain the changes he made to his swing.

His key word is freedom, and it sure looked that way at Waialae. He had three birdies in a a four-hole stretch around the turn, and outside of his lone bogey on 13th hole, his only disappointment was having to settle for par on his final hole at the par-5 ninth.

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Canada’s Gligic recalibrated for Sony Open, 1st full-field event of PGA Tour in 2023

John Chidley-Hill, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Preview

Canada’s Gligic recalibrated for Sony Open, 1st full-field event of PGA Tour in 2023

John Chidley-Hill, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2023

Michael Gligic has only taken a few days off since his last PGA Tour event in November. He's been working hard during the circuit's six-week winter break, even getting reps in during a heavy snowfall in Kitchener, Ont.

Gligic is one of five Canadians in the field at this week's Sony Open, the first full-field PGA Tour event of 2023. The Burlington, Ont., native worked closely with coach Sean Foley for the lengthy break between November's RSM Classic and the Sony Open to ensure that he has a strong start to the new year.

"I wanted to take advantage of that six weeks to try and really put in some good work," said Gligic on Monday, a day after arriving in Honolulu, Hawaii for the tournament. "I feel like I got a lot better and made some good changes."

Gligic struggled through the first seven events of the 2022-23 season, missing the cut six times with his best result a tie for 45th at the Sanderson Farms Championship on Oct. 2. He said that the adjustments he made with Foley were minute changes to his swing — "technical things" — to find more consistency.

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Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2023

Michael Gligic, of Canada, hits out of a bunker on the eighth green during the first round of the RSM Classic golf tournament, Thursday, Nov. 17, 2022, in St. Simons Island, Ga. Gligic has only taken a few days off since his last PGA Tour event in November. He's been working hard — even getting reps in during a heavy snowfall in Kitchener, Ont., — for the resumption of play this month. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP/Stephen B. Morton
Michael Gligic, of Canada, hits out of a bunker on the eighth green during the first round of the RSM Classic golf tournament, Thursday, Nov. 17, 2022, in St. Simons Island, Ga. Gligic has only taken a few days off since his last PGA Tour event in November. He's been working hard — even getting reps in during a heavy snowfall in Kitchener, Ont., — for the resumption of play this month. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP/Stephen B. Morton

Jon Rahm wins a stunner at Kapalua after Morikawa wipeout

Doug Ferguson, The Associated Press 4 minute read Preview

Jon Rahm wins a stunner at Kapalua after Morikawa wipeout

Doug Ferguson, The Associated Press 4 minute read Sunday, Jan. 8, 2023

KAPALUA, Hawaii (AP) — Jon Rahm began the bold new year on the PGA Tour by coming from seven shots behind to win the Sentry Tournament of Champions on Sunday with plenty of help from Collin Morikawa, who had a spectacular wipeout even by Maui standards.

Rahm was six shots behind on the 13th hole at Kapalua when he ran off three straight birdies and a 12-foot eagle putt, and his final birdie gave him a 10-under 63.

Morikawa had gone 67 holes without a bogey on the Plantation Course when it all fell apart with his wedges and his putter, the two areas that had carried him to a six-shot lead at the start of the day.

From 25 yards short of the 14th green, he blasted out of a bunker and over the green. He muffed a wedge from a tight lie with the grain of grass into him on the par-5 15th. His wedge to the 16th didn't go far enough and rolled some 60 feet back into the fairway.

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Sunday, Jan. 8, 2023

Scottie Scheffler acknowledges the gallery after making birdie on the first green during the final round of the Tournament of Champions golf event, Sunday, Jan. 8, 2023, at Kapalua Plantation Course in Kapalua, Hawaii. (AP Photo/Matt York)
Scottie Scheffler acknowledges the gallery after making birdie on the first green during the final round of the Tournament of Champions golf event, Sunday, Jan. 8, 2023, at Kapalua Plantation Course in Kapalua, Hawaii. (AP Photo/Matt York)

Morikawa pulls away with late run of birdies at Kapalua

Doug Ferguson, The Associated Press 5 minute read Preview

Morikawa pulls away with late run of birdies at Kapalua

Doug Ferguson, The Associated Press 5 minute read Saturday, Jan. 7, 2023

KAPALUA, Hawaii (AP) — Collin Morikawa can make golf look simple. He has a shot in mind and the ball is going where he's looking. The difference at the Sentry Tournament of Champions is that includes shots on the green.

He was particularly effective Saturday on the stretch of scoring holes on the back nine of Kapalua, typically a chance for players to make up ground in a hurry. Morikawa birdied four of the last five holes and pulled away.

He finished with a 15-foot birdie putt for an 8-under 65, giving him a six-shot lead going into the final round and an excellent chance to get rid of the sour taste from last year.

Asked if he was hungry to win again — his last victory was the DP World Tour Championship in Dubai in November 2021 — Morikawa smiled.

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Saturday, Jan. 7, 2023

Hideki Matsuyama, of Japan, waits to hit on the eighth green during the third round of the Tournament of Champions golf event, Saturday, Jan. 7, 2023, at Kapalua Plantation Course in Kapalua, Hawaii. (AP Photo/Matt York)
Hideki Matsuyama, of Japan, waits to hit on the eighth green during the third round of the Tournament of Champions golf event, Saturday, Jan. 7, 2023, at Kapalua Plantation Course in Kapalua, Hawaii. (AP Photo/Matt York)

Rahm shares lead at Kapalua amid more low scoring on Maui

Doug Ferguson, The Associated Press 5 minute read Preview

Rahm shares lead at Kapalua amid more low scoring on Maui

Doug Ferguson, The Associated Press 5 minute read Thursday, Jan. 5, 2023

KAPALUA, Hawaii (AP) — Jon Rahm is starting to get used to low scoring on the Plantation Course at Kapalua. He can only hope this start leads to a better finish in the Sentry Tournament of Champions.

One year after he was 33-under par and still finished second, Rahm birdied three of his last four holes for a 9-under 64 and shared the lead Thursday with Colin Morikawa and J.J. Spaun in an idyllic start to the year.

Morikawa began the back nine with six straight birdies, his longest such streak on the PGA Tour. Spaun, at Kapalua for the first time, had four straight birdies on the back and had only one complaint.

“My toes hurt,” he said. "It's a long walk, even if it can play like a short course.

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Thursday, Jan. 5, 2023

Mackenzie Hughes acknowledges the gallery after his shot on the 17th green during the first round of the Tournament of Champions golf event, Thursday, Jan. 5, 2023, at Kapalua Plantation Course in Kapalua, Hawaii. (AP Photo/Matt York)
Mackenzie Hughes acknowledges the gallery after his shot on the 17th green during the first round of the Tournament of Champions golf event, Thursday, Jan. 5, 2023, at Kapalua Plantation Course in Kapalua, Hawaii. (AP Photo/Matt York)

Led by Henderson, Hughes and Svensson, Canadian golf hit new highs in 2022

John Chidley-Hill, The Canadian Press 6 minute read Preview

Led by Henderson, Hughes and Svensson, Canadian golf hit new highs in 2022

John Chidley-Hill, The Canadian Press 6 minute read Monday, Dec. 26, 2022

There's an argument to be made that 2022 was the most successful year in Canadian golf.

Brooke Henderson, Mackenzie Hughes, and Adam Svensson's combined four wins between the LPGA and PGA Tours were highlights of the season. But the achievements of Canadian golfers were not limited to those victories.

Corey Conners and Taylor Pendrith became the first two Canadians to compete in the Presidents Cup at the same time, Mike Weir was named the first-ever Canadian captain of the International team for the 2024 Presidents Cup at Royal Montreal Golf Club, and the RBC Canadian Open and CP Women's Open both returned after a three-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

"It's only getting better and that's been shown on the golf course and it continues to show," said Hughes, who won the Sanderson Farms Championship on Oct. 2 for the second PGA Tour title of his career. "It's very exciting to be part of that winning group this year and to add to that total.

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Monday, Dec. 26, 2022

Mike Weir lines up a putt on the 13th green during the PGA Tour Champion's Shaw Charity Classic golf event in Calgary, Alta., Friday, Aug. 5, 2022. There's an argument to be made that 2022 was the most successful year in Canadian golf. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh
Mike Weir lines up a putt on the 13th green during the PGA Tour Champion's Shaw Charity Classic golf event in Calgary, Alta., Friday, Aug. 5, 2022. There's an argument to be made that 2022 was the most successful year in Canadian golf. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh

Kathy Whitworth, winningest golfer in history, dies at 83

Doug Ferguson, The Associated Press 4 minute read Preview

Kathy Whitworth, winningest golfer in history, dies at 83

Doug Ferguson, The Associated Press 4 minute read Sunday, Dec. 25, 2022

Kathy Whitworth set a benchmark in golf no one has ever touched, whether it was Sam Snead or Tiger Woods, Mickey Wright or Annika Sorenstam. Her 88 victories are the most by any player on a single professional tour.

Whitworth, whose LPGA Tour victories spanned nearly a quarter-century and who became the first woman to earn $1 million on the LPGA, died on Christmas Eve, her longtime partner said. She was 83.

Bettye Odle did not disclose a cause of death, saying only that Whitworth died suddenly Saturday night while celebrating with family and friends.

“Kathy left this worth the way she lived her life — loving, laugh and creating memories,” Odle said in a statement released by the LPGA Tour.

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Sunday, Dec. 25, 2022

FILE - All time winningest professional golfer, Kathy Whitworth, left, congratulates Cheyenne Knight after Knight won the LPGA 2019 Volunteers of America golf tournament, Oct. 6, 2019, at Old American Golf Club in The Colony, Texas. Former LPGA Tour player Whitworth, whose 88 victories are the most by any golfer on a single professional tour, died on Saturday, Dec. 25, 2022, night, her longtime partner said. She was 83. (AP Photo/David Kent, File)
FILE - All time winningest professional golfer, Kathy Whitworth, left, congratulates Cheyenne Knight after Knight won the LPGA 2019 Volunteers of America golf tournament, Oct. 6, 2019, at Old American Golf Club in The Colony, Texas. Former LPGA Tour player Whitworth, whose 88 victories are the most by any golfer on a single professional tour, died on Saturday, Dec. 25, 2022, night, her longtime partner said. She was 83. (AP Photo/David Kent, File)

Golf Canada unveils 2023 national teams under new three-tier system

The Canadian Press 2 minute read Preview

Golf Canada unveils 2023 national teams under new three-tier system

The Canadian Press 2 minute read Wednesday, Dec. 21, 2022

An all-time high of 57 athletes were named to Golf Canada's teams on Wednesday along with eight coaches.

Golf Canada’s 2023 national team system now features three program tiers: amateurs and professionals are on Team Canada, NextGen is for under-21 amateurs, and the third group is a talent identification system aimed at growing the pool of prospects.

The updated program tiers are designed to help Golf Canada's high-performance program increase the number of Canadians on the LPGA and PGA Tours to 30 by 2032.

Thirty-five of the players were named to the senior Team Canada, while 22 were named to the NextGen group.

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Wednesday, Dec. 21, 2022

Maddie Szeryk, of Canada, watches her drive on the 2nd hole during the third round action at the CP Women’s Open, Saturday, August 27, 2022 in Ottawa. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld
Maddie Szeryk, of Canada, watches her drive on the 2nd hole during the third round action at the CP Women’s Open, Saturday, August 27, 2022 in Ottawa. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld

Canada’s Maddie Szeryk excited to return to LPGA Tour for second season in 2023

John Chidley-Hill, The Canadian Press 3 minute read Preview

Canada’s Maddie Szeryk excited to return to LPGA Tour for second season in 2023

John Chidley-Hill, The Canadian Press 3 minute read Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2022

After the most stressful two weeks of her season, Maddie Szeryk and her family are returning to Canada for a relaxing Christmas break with her extended family in London, Ont.

Szeryk qualified for her second season on the top women's golf circuit on Sunday, finished the Q-Series tied for 17th at 17-under par to earn her LPGA Tour card for 2023. The 26-year-old Szeryk said that she was ready for some well-earned down time after the gruelling eight-round event at the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail in Alabama over two weeks.

"I'm not bringing my golf clubs, not doing any golf," said Szeryk, who is based in Dallas. "I'll just be reflecting on the past year and getting some rest for my mind, body and everything.

"Then in the new year I'll start practising again and start being more intense and just ramping up the practice, making sure that I'm really ready for the new season."

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Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2022

Maddie Szeryk, of Canada, watches her drive on the 2nd hole during the third round action at the CP Women’s Open, Saturday, August 27, 2022 in Ottawa. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld
Maddie Szeryk, of Canada, watches her drive on the 2nd hole during the third round action at the CP Women’s Open, Saturday, August 27, 2022 in Ottawa. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld

Hovland hangs on to become repeat winner of World Challenge

Doug Ferguson, The Associated Press 5 minute read Preview

Hovland hangs on to become repeat winner of World Challenge

Doug Ferguson, The Associated Press 5 minute read Sunday, Dec. 4, 2022

NASSAU, Bahamas (AP) — Viktor Hovland led by four shots at the turn. No one got closer to him than two shots during the final nine holes at the Hero World Challenge.

It sounds easy. Far from it.

Hovland pulled a 6-iron from an awkward lie into the water on the 18th hole and had to make a 20-foot bogey putt for a 3-under 69 to secure victory Sunday, allowing him to join tournament host Tiger Woods as the only back-to-back winners of this holiday event.

“I made it a little more exciting, I guess,” Hovland said.

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Sunday, Dec. 4, 2022

Norway,'s Viktor Hovland, right, talks to Tiger Woods, after winning the Hero World Challenge PGA Tour at the Albany Golf Club in New Providence, Bahamas, Sunday, Dec. 4, 2022. (AP Photo/Fernando Llano)
Norway,'s Viktor Hovland, right, talks to Tiger Woods, after winning the Hero World Challenge PGA Tour at the Albany Golf Club in New Providence, Bahamas, Sunday, Dec. 4, 2022. (AP Photo/Fernando Llano)

Scheffler makes a late bid to return to No. 1 in the world

Doug Ferguson, The Associated Press 5 minute read Preview

Scheffler makes a late bid to return to No. 1 in the world

Doug Ferguson, The Associated Press 5 minute read Friday, Dec. 2, 2022

NASSAU, Bahamas (AP) — The degree Masters champion Scottie Scheffler earned from the McCombs School of Business at Texas did not equip him with the skills to figure out the new formula for the Official World Golf Ranking.

He is No. 2 in the world. He can go back to No. 1 if he wins the Hero World Challenge, simple as that.

“I don't like being No. 2,” he said. “I don't like finishing second."

Scheffler took a step in that direction in the relentless wind at Albany. He ran off four birdies in a five-hole stretch on the back nine for a 4-under 68, leaving him in the group one shot behind defending champion Viktor Hovland.

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Friday, Dec. 2, 2022

Xander Schauffele, of the United States, looks down to watch his ball on the 7th green during the second round of the Hero World Challenge PGA Tour at the Albany Golf Club in New Providence, Bahamas, Friday, Dec. 2, 2022. (AP Photo/Fernando Llano)
Xander Schauffele, of the United States, looks down to watch his ball on the 7th green during the second round of the Hero World Challenge PGA Tour at the Albany Golf Club in New Providence, Bahamas, Friday, Dec. 2, 2022. (AP Photo/Fernando Llano)

Canadian golfing great Mike Weir closes day at Toronto Stock Exchange

John Chidley-Hill, The Canadian Press 3 minute read Preview

Canadian golfing great Mike Weir closes day at Toronto Stock Exchange

John Chidley-Hill, The Canadian Press 3 minute read Thursday, Dec. 1, 2022

TORONTO - Canadian golfing great Mike Weir added another new experience to his storied career on Thursday.

Gold confetti rained down as Weir pressed the button that formally stops trading for the day at the Toronto Stock Exchange.

"I swear, I thought it was still the bell not the button, I guess I'm getting old," Weir said with a laugh. "It was really fun to do that. Get out to a new network of people, bring golf to the business side of Canada, get those people engaged, not just the golfers."

The 52-year-old from from Brights Grove, Ont., is the winningest men's golfer in Canadian history with eight victories on the PGA Tour, including earning the green jacket at the 2003 Masters.

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Thursday, Dec. 1, 2022

Mike Weir of Canada watches his tee shot on the 13th hole during the first round of the Canadian Open in Toronto on Thursday, June 9, 2022. The Canadian golfing great closed the Toronto Stock Exchange on Thursday evening. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Frank Gunn
Mike Weir of Canada watches his tee shot on the 13th hole during the first round of the Canadian Open in Toronto on Thursday, June 9, 2022. The Canadian golfing great closed the Toronto Stock Exchange on Thursday evening. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Frank Gunn

Mike Weir named President Cup captain for 2024 event at Royal Montreal Golf Club

Tristan D’Amours, The Canadian Press 5 minute read Preview

Mike Weir named President Cup captain for 2024 event at Royal Montreal Golf Club

Tristan D’Amours, The Canadian Press 5 minute read Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2022

MONTREAL - The first Canadian to play in a Presidents Cup will become the first Canadian to captain the International team.

Mike Weir was announced as International captain for the 2024 Presidents Cup on Wednesday morning at the Bell Centre. After five appearances as a player and three as assistant captain under Trevor Immelman, Nick Price and Ernie Els, Weir will get his shot at captaincy on home soil at the Royal Montreal Golf Club.

The International team has only won the event once. The Americans have taken home the trophy 12 times and have been on a nine-event winning streak since the 2003 edition finished tied.

The U.S. beat the Internationals 17 1/2 - 12 1/2 in the 2022 event, held September at Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte, N.C.

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Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2022

Mike Weir lines up a putt on the 13th green during the PGA Tour Champion's Shaw Charity Classic golf event in Calgary, Alta., Friday, Aug. 5, 2022. Weir will be the first Canadian to ever captain a Presidents Cup team. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh
Mike Weir lines up a putt on the 13th green during the PGA Tour Champion's Shaw Charity Classic golf event in Calgary, Alta., Friday, Aug. 5, 2022. Weir will be the first Canadian to ever captain a Presidents Cup team. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh

Canadian Adam Svensson gets 1st PGA Tour title at Sea Island

The Associated Press 3 minute read Preview

Canadian Adam Svensson gets 1st PGA Tour title at Sea Island

The Associated Press 3 minute read Sunday, Nov. 20, 2022

ST. SIMONS ISLAND, Ga. (AP) — Adam Svensson handled the cold air and the heat of contention as if he had been there before, closing with a 6-under 64 to win the RSM Classic on Sunday at Sea Island for his first PGA Tour victory.

Svensson, a 28-year-old from Surrey, B.C., was locked in a four-way tie for the lead on the closing stretch of the Seaside course when he poured in an 18-foot birdie putt on the 16th hole, and then hit a tee shot to 10 feet on the par-3 17th for a birdie that gave him a cushion.

Brian Harman (65) and Sahith Theegala (66) were in the group ahead of him and missed birdie chances from about 25 feet on the closing hole.

Callum Tarren of England (64) was the first to post at 17-under par and was hopeful of a playoff. Svensson capped off his bogey-free final round with a par for a two-shot win.

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Sunday, Nov. 20, 2022

Andrew Putnam hits out of a bunker on the 18th green during final round of the RSM Classic golf tournament, Sunday, Nov. 20, 2022, in St. Simons Island, Ga. (AP Photo/Stephen B. Morton)
Andrew Putnam hits out of a bunker on the 18th green during final round of the RSM Classic golf tournament, Sunday, Nov. 20, 2022, in St. Simons Island, Ga. (AP Photo/Stephen B. Morton)

Lydia Ko wins LPGA finale for record $2 million payout

The Associated Press 4 minute read Preview

Lydia Ko wins LPGA finale for record $2 million payout

The Associated Press 4 minute read Sunday, Nov. 20, 2022

NAPLES, Fla. (AP) — Lydia Ko never won more in one day than on Sunday in the CME Group Tour Championship, where she claimed the richest prize in women's golf at $2 million with a victory that allowed her to win LPGA player of the year.

Ko outlasted Leona Maguire of Ireland in the final round, seizing control with a 7-foot birdie putt on the 16th hole and closing with 2-under 70 for a two-shot victory.

Unflappable in a strong but occasional wind, Ko wiped away tears when she tapped in for par on the final at Tiburon Golf Club.

“There was a lot of things on the line today,” Ko said. “I really wanted to play the best golf I can. I knew it would be a tough battle, especially with how tough the conditions were.”

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Sunday, Nov. 20, 2022

Lydia Ko, of New Zealand, left, and Leona Maguire, of Ireland, right, talk while waiting to hit on the fifth tee during the final round of the LPGA CME Group Tour Championship golf tournament, Sunday, Nov. 20, 2022, at the Tiburón Golf Club in Naples, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
Lydia Ko, of New Zealand, left, and Leona Maguire, of Ireland, right, talk while waiting to hit on the fifth tee during the final round of the LPGA CME Group Tour Championship golf tournament, Sunday, Nov. 20, 2022, at the Tiburón Golf Club in Naples, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

Rodgers shares lead at Sea Island with another chance to win

The Associated Press 3 minute read Preview

Rodgers shares lead at Sea Island with another chance to win

The Associated Press 3 minute read Saturday, Nov. 19, 2022

ST. SIMONS ISLAND, Ga. (AP) — Patrick Rodgers ran off four straight birdies late in his round Saturday and finished with a par save for a 6-under 64, giving him a share of the lead with Ben Martin in the RSM Classic and another chance at his first PGA Tour title.

Martin was poised to match that score until he came up short on the 18th green, chipped to just inside 5 feet and missed the par putt. He had a 65.

They were at 14-under 198 in the final PGA Tour event of the year, and it was far from a two-man race.

Ten players were within two shots of the lead, a group that included Sahith Theegala (68), Brian Harman (64) and even Harry Higgs, who was atop the leaderboard at the start of the day and had a 25-foot birdie putt on the final hole for a 70.

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Saturday, Nov. 19, 2022

David Lingmerth, of Sweden, watches his drive down the second fairway during the third round of the RSM Classic golf tournament, Saturday, Nov. 19, 2022, in St. Simons Island, Ga. (AP Photo/Stephen B. Morton)
David Lingmerth, of Sweden, watches his drive down the second fairway during the third round of the RSM Classic golf tournament, Saturday, Nov. 19, 2022, in St. Simons Island, Ga. (AP Photo/Stephen B. Morton)

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