Tiger Woods will go into the final round of the Northwestern Mutual Challenge with a two-shot lead following a level par 72 on Saturday.
Woods equalled his own course record of a 10-under-par 62 on Friday but struggled to produce similar results in the third round, with the wind playing a major part in making the Sherwood layout a much tougher prospect.
Part of the problem for the world number one was him having a rare off day with the putter, with his most notable slip-up being a three putt from five feet on the 13th which left him feeling understandably aggrieved.
Zach Johnson is currently second on the leaderboard, two behind on nine-under and will once again partner the 14-time major champion on the final day after being paired with him in the third round.
Elsewhere, the standings are rather disjointed, with 2012 Masters champion Bubba Watson the leading pair’s nearest challenger on seven-under, while Matt Kuchar is a further three behind, although there were further signs of a resurgence from Rory McIlroy, who shot a 68.
This week in California is always a big one for Woods, with him also hosting the event, and the 37-year-old admits that with all the extra responsibility, winning on Sunday would be extremely satisfying.
“I’m pleased at having the lead – not real pleased with the way I putted today,” Woods said. “I left a few out there today.”
“(Winning on Sunday) it would be special not just for myself but for the foundation and everyone who’s involved with us and what we’re trying to do.”
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