Canada’s Brooke M. Henderson retained her fourth-place finish at the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions by posting the best card of the third day of competition on Saturday in Orlando.
The Ontarian had a flawless round of four birdies, hitting the ball 68 times (-4). Japan’s Yuka Saso and Thailand’s Pajaree Anannarukarn performed identically to that of the Canadian during this round, which was generally more difficult for all golfers.
Henderson, fourth with a total score of 205 (-11), is still ahead of Americans Nelly Korda and Danielle Kang as well as Mexican Gaby Lopez, who all shot 69 (-3) on Saturday. Korda will enter the final round in the lead, by virtue of his -13 rating.
No other Canadian took part in this Florida event, which brings together all the professionals who have won a tournament during the 2021 season.
New leaders in California
Among the men, the American Patrick Cantley, leader after two rounds, practically got out of the race by having to settle for the par of 72 at the American Express PGA tournament in California.
Cantley and his compatriot Will Zalatoris, who had climbed among the leaders with a superb round of 61 (-11) the day before, lost a few feathers and are now tied at 11e position. Both started on the course Stadium, who smiled at Lee Hodges and Paul Barjon.
The American and the French pulled out of the game by hitting the ball respectively 64 (-8) and 65 (-7) times. They occupy the lead with a cumulative score of 198 (-18). Hodges came back into the conversation after a disappointing round, leading the standings with Cantley at the end of the first day on Thursday.
The point guards hold a one-shot lead over their closest pursuer, Tom Hoge, a United States representative who played at La Quinta on Saturday.
It was harder for some Canadians. Albertan Roger Sloan was the best of his halfway through the tournament, but his card of 71 (-1) made him dive 10 ranks. Adam Svensson moved up 14 positions and moved into 18e rank at -12, tied with his compatriot.
Michael Gligic (-8), Adam Hadwin (-8) and Nick Taylor (-7) are the other Canadians who avoided the ax. Taylor Pendrith and Corey Conners were eliminated.
