Jon Rahm shoots course record as title defence hots up

Jon Rahm shot a course record 61 as his bid for a fifth win of the yr moved up a gear within the third spherical of the Mexico Open.

The Masters champion went out in 29 to maneuver inside two of chief Tony Finau.

Akshay Bhatia, taking part in in simply his sixth PGA Tour occasion, will be part of the match’s large two names within the last group after equalling the earlier Vidanta Vallarta course record of 63 to take a seat alongside Rahm on 17 underneath.

Rahm, who hit 17 greens in regulation, had the possibility of a uncommon 59 however missed birdie putts on 15 and 16 earlier than seeing his drive on the 18th plug in a fairway bunker as he needed to accept a par.

He stated following his spherical: “It was a great round. The swings didn’t feel that different today to the first two days. The first two rounds, a couple of the not-so-good swings cost me a little bit too much

“Today, everything just seemed perfect. Made a lot of great swings and the ones that weren’t great, still gave myself a good result.”

The world primary wanted simply 25 putts as he equalled his career-low spherical.

“I think that’s the difference usually in a course like this,” he stated. “To get to 10 under you’re going to have to make a few lengthy ones, and combined with really good ball-striking, great round. Really happy with what I did and just glad I gave myself a chance.”

Rahm, who’s seeking to defend a PGA title for the primary time, may change into the primary participant with 5 wins on the tour earlier than May since Johnny Miller in 1974.

Finau, the one different member of the world’s prime 20 within the subject, birdied 5 of his final seven holes as he carded a 65 to keep up his lead heading into the ultimate spherical.

Rahm, who beat him to the title 12 months in the past, briefly edged forward earlier than the American’s sturdy end.

Bhatia, 21, leapfrogged into the ultimate group with an eagle on the final having performed a follow spherical with Rahm and Finau earlier within the week.

Brandon Wu, who was second alongside Finau final yr, is a shot additional again and the one different particular person inside 5 strokes of the lead.

Ben Taylor edged into the highest 10 with a 66, two higher than fellow Englishman Harry Hall.