Akshay Bhatia, Aaron Rai keep lead at tight Rocket Mortgage Classic
Akshay Bhatia and England’s Aaron Rai each shot 4-under-par 68 in the third round of the Rocket Mortgage Classic on Saturday in Detroit, keeping them tied at the top of the leaderboard. Both began the day sharing the lead, and while Bhatia maintained his bogey-free streak for the tournament, Rai recorded five birdies against one…
Akshay Bhatia and England’s Aaron Rai each shot 4-under-par 68 in the third round of the Rocket Mortgage Classic on Saturday in Detroit, keeping them tied at the top of the leaderboard. Both began the day sharing the lead, and while Bhatia maintained his bogey-free streak for the tournament, Rai recorded five birdies against one bogey. They both stand at 17-under 199 going into Sunday’s final round.
The competition is fierce with several contenders close behind. Cameron Young carded a 67, birdieing three of his last five holes, and Australia’s Cam Davis posted a bogey-free 66, birdieing three of his first four holes. Both are just one shot back at 16 under. Sam Stevens, who finished with birdies on the last two holes for a 66, and South Africa’s Erik van Rooyen, who also managed a bogey-free 68, are at 15 under.
The North Course at Detroit Golf Club promises an exciting final round with numerous players in contention. Amateur Luke Clanton shot an impressive 65, climbing up to a share of second place earlier in the day before others capitalized on evening scoring opportunities. Clanton, a 20-year-old golfer from Florida State, expressed his excitement about his first PGA Tour event and being in contention. He recently made the cut and tied for 41st at the U.S. Open. On Saturday, Clanton eagled the par-5 14th hole, just two holes after his only bogey of the round. Joel Dahmen, with a 68, and South Korea’s Min Woo Lee, also with a 66, are tied for seventh at 14 under.
Defending champion Rickie Fowler shot 67, moving to 11 under. The start of the third round was delayed significantly, leading to revised tee times with golfers starting on both the first and 10th tees. Will Zalatoris, struggling with a back injury, withdrew during the third round after being 3 over through eight holes. He had been 7 under through the first two rounds.
With a packed leaderboard, Sunday’s final round is set to be an intense battle for the title at the Rocket Mortgage Classic.
