Superb Stenson leads at Arnold Palmer Invitational
Two successive rounds of 66 has fired Henrik Stenson to the top of the Bay Hill leaderboard at 16 under.
After a slow start, making only two birdies in the opening 14 holes, the 38-year old sunk two birdies and an eagle through the final four holes taking him to the top of the leaderboard.
The Swede maintaining his form that has seen him finish fourth in his last two tournament starts.
Every facet of the Swede’s game seems to be clicking into place just in time for Augusta, but Stenson does not want to get too far ahead of himself.
“Augusta is definitely in the back of my mind,” Stenson said. “I got a few things I’m kind of working on towards Augusta but still we’re here now and playing the final round and I’m going to try my hardest to do a good job and try and close out this golf tournament to win here.”
Current World Number One, Rory McIlroy, struggled after making great gains in his first two rounds.
The Northern Irishman is currently seven shots behind current leader Stenson, after carding a 71 in his third round.
Daniel Berger made tournament history in his third round, recording the first Albatross at the Bay Hill invitational.
The Honda Classic runner-up performed the feat at the par-5 sixth hole, holing out from 237 yards.
Measuring 555 yards on the scorecard, the hole horseshoes left around a lake.
“I was kind of right in between going for it and not going for it,” Berger said.
“I hit just a big draw 4-iron and after I hit it – I flushed it – my caddie goes ‘get up’ and I was kind of thinking, ‘Wow that (might) need to get up a little bit,’ and it landed perfect.
“I didn’t see it go in, but the way the crowd reacted, I figured it was either in or really close.”
Elsewhere Rory McIlroy is seven shots back after carding a third round 71.
The Northern Irishman could not maintain his early round form, coming within one stroke of the lead.
“Everything was going really well for 13 holes. Got myself right into the tournament and then three bogies in quick succession,” said McIlroy.
“I have to concentrate on that and focus on the positives and try and take those into tomorrow. Try to get off to a fast start.
“If I shoot 30, 31 on the front-9 get myself back into it. You never know. Just try and finish the tournament off as best I can tomorrow.”
McIlroy currently sits tied 12th on the leaderboard.
Full leaderboard details can be found here.
Tee times for the final round can be found here.
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