Marty Dou had one miserable time last year on the PGA Tour.
He was a 21-year-old rookie and his struggles were mighty — he managed to make just four cuts in the 23 events he played.
That performance or lack thereof sent him back to the Web.com Tour for another go-round and he’s off to an impressive start in that tour’s first event of the 2019 season.
Dou, who will turn 22 next week, is in line for an early birthday present. After rounds of 67-66-67 at the Sandals Resort, he’s got a three-shot lead going into Wednesday’s final round of the Bahamas Great Exuma Classic.
Good weather has provided nice scoring conditions. In past years, this event has been plagued by rain, high winds and very high scores.
Not this time.
Dou has set a good pace and the young man from China is looking for his second victory on the Web.com Tour. Even though he’s just 21, he’s been a professional for four years. He quit school after the ninth grade, devoted his life to golf and turned pro at age 17.
Closest to him is first round marvel John Oda, who opened with a course-record 63 but followed that with rounds of 68 and 72. He’s 13-under and a shot in front of Willy Wilccox and Billy Kennerly, both at 12-under par.
