Kiradech's day takes a splash at the Players Championship
Florida - For the third straight day, Kiradech Aphibarnrat of Thailand shot a one-under 71 at THE PLAYERS Championship.
But this one stung him on Saturday.
Three under for his third round through 16 holes, the 28-year-old splashed his tee shot into the water at the iconic par -3, 17th hole at THE PLAYERS Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass, leading to a double bogey five which spoilt his day.
With a three-day total of three-under 213, Kiradech remained at the wrong end of the leaderboard at T55 in the PGA TOUR’s flagship tournament.
“71 again, very consistent golf,” said a disappointed Kiradech. “I think I’m almost there, hitting the ball better. I was three under before reaching 17 and hit a poor shot there. Ended up with one under.”
Kiradech knew he had missed an opportunity to move up the board and heard the roars two groups ahead as 14-time major winner Tiger Woods charged from T68 to T9 following a superb 65 which provided the early fireworks at TPC Sawgrass.
American Webb Simpson, a four-time PGA TOUR winner, will take a seven-shot lead over Danny Lee of New Zealand into the final day after a third round 68 saw him match the 54-hole tournament record of 19-under 197.
Kiradech hopes to wrap up his second appearance at THE PLAYERS on a strong note to boost his hopes of earning a PGA TOUR card for next season.
“Feel better with how I struck the ball but disappointed I didn’t take advantage playing in the morning. I should have taken advantage with a low number. First nine, the wind was calm and I didn’t take advantage and on back nine, I messed up. Every part of my game is not sharp enough, not hitting it close enough,” said Kiradech, who has recorded two top-fives in the World Golf Championships this season.
“Tiger took all the birdies. I saw him shooting eight under after 12 s holes. My goal was to try to keep up with him but he played such good golf. Quite a disappointing day for me really. I’ve been trying hard. I also hit it into the water on 16 which I made a good par save and then found water again on 17. I’ve been trying so hard this week, and will try to go low tomorrow.”
Kiradech needs to earn six more FedExCup points to earn a Special Temporary Membership on the PGA TOUR which will then allow him to accept unlimited sponsor exemptions for the remainder of the season. He will then need to finish inside the top-125 of the FedExCup points standing to earn his PGA TOUR card for 2018-19.
