Thomas Detry surged ahead in the Phoenix Open with a stellar 6-under 65 in the third round, extending his lead to five shots as he eyes his first PGA Tour victory. Starting the day with a two-shot lead, Detry capitalized on ideal conditions at TPC Scottsdale, notching four birdies in his first five holes.
Detry, a two-time Belgian Olympian, finished the round at 18-under 195 after sinking a crucial 19-foot par putt on the 18th hole. His nearest competitors, including Jordan Spieth, are tied for second place, five shots behind.
Spieth, seeking his first tour win since 2022, remained bogey-free through 45 holes and expressed optimism about his performance post-wrist surgery. Despite a strong history at TPC Scottsdale, Spieth acknowledged the need to hit more fairways to challenge Detry in the final round.
Rasmus Hojgaard, Daniel Berger, and Michael Kim are also in contention at 13 under, with Hojgaard overcoming a double bogey to finish with back-to-back birdies, Berger making an eagle on 15, and Kim carding a solid 68.
Detry showcased resilience with key saves throughout the round, notably recovering from a tee shot into the native area on the 13th hole and a drive into a bunker on the 18th. His ability to manage emotions and stay present will be crucial in maintaining his lead on Sunday.
The tournament saw a significant turnout due to perfect weather conditions, with organizers implementing enhanced security measures to prevent a repeat of last year's unruly behavior. Despite the lively atmosphere, the event remained well-controlled, with fans enjoying the action at the iconic 16th hole.
As Detry looks to secure his maiden PGA Tour victory, the final round promises an exciting showdown among the top contenders vying for the Phoenix Open title.
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