Hong Kong Open Round 3

Cam smith get back at Top of the leaderboard to share lead with Phachara Khongwatmai at Hong Kong Open 2023

Hong kong open

Hong Kong Open Round 3 began with Cam smith trailing one shot behind Phachara after round 2. He shot a brilliant round of 65 which included 6 birdies to become co-leader. In cloudy and airy conditions Cam had a steady start until he hit back to back birdie’s on 8th and 9th after which got his groove back.

His putting heroics continued, he drained a 30 feet long putt to get solo lead at 15th hole. On next hole he hit his tee shot into trees and managed to escape with a bogey and lost his solo lead. When asked about 16th hole struggle he said:

“Hit a really crappy shot off the tee [on 16],”

Phachara birdied the same hole and took the lead at his side, but the Aussie responded by rolling in a sweaty palm birdie putt from eight feet at the 17th to quickly pull level with the Thai. Cam finished 16 under par at the end of round to grab share of lead.

Cam smith shot a highlight reel recovery stuff in this hole which showed his steel nerves  and that he was willing to shot birdie from anywhere https://x.com/asiantourgolf/status/1723267067187724416?s=46

Cam knew he is struggling off the tee and told media that he needs to tighten up the driver and the stuff off the tee. He is aware that he didn’t hit as many fairways in round 3 which led to more missed greens. He further said it was a bit of a grind out there today. He hoped that he can be stress free tomorrow. He told he found parts of the course which he doesn’t want to see ever again.

Phachara continued his brilliant game and shot 66 to maintain his position at top of leaderboard and finished at 16 under par at the end of the round 3. He talked to media and told them that he struggled on his first hole with bogey but decided not lose nerves instead focus on a good comeback from that struggling situation.

A shot behind is Ben Campbell from New Zealand, who was one of the players who shot 65 in round 3.

The other noticeable performances included former U.S. Open winner Graeme McDowell, with 12-under, four strokes behind.

The leaderboard at the end of round is as follow: https://x.com/asiantourgolf/status/1723270482282365324?s=46

 

The final Round will be exciting to watch as there are many players in red figures who can climb at the top of leaderboard to win the Hong Kong Open. My winning favorite is Cam smith because he is world’s best putter right now. Let’s see who wins the Asia’s one of Biggest tournament who has been won by many renowned players like Rory McIlroy, Greg Norman and Justin Rose.

 

 

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