Bryson DeChambeau found fairways and greens Saturday at Muirfield Village and he said that was his key to taking over as the 54-hole leader at The Memorial.
DeChambeau hit an amazing nine-iron approach in the 18th hole and drained a five-footer for birdie and a 66 to break out of a pack of players at 13-under.
DeChambeau, winner last year at the John Deere, is looking for his second PGA Tour win.
Overnight leaders Kyle Stanley and 19-year-old Joaquin Niemann are in pursuit after both carded 70s on moving day. Joining them at 13-under was Patrick Cantlay, who matched DeChambeau’s 66.
Justin Rose, looking for a second straight victory, will start Sunday four back.
Early excitement came when Tiger Woods went out and shot five-under par on the front nine to get to 10-under par and within a shot of the lead. He lost his momentum on the back nine and two late three-putts at the 16th and 18th spoiled his day and left him frustrated at nine-under par thanks to his 68.
“That’s probably the highest score I could have shot today,” said Woods, who hit 12 of 14 fairways and 15 of 18 greens. “I’m definitely not taking advantage of the way I’m hitting it,” Woods added, sounding disappointed with his day.
Rory McIlroy’s 64 was the day’s low round and pulled him within six of the leader.
