Leading trio after three days at Cognizant Classic

Two seasons ago, Shane Lowry triumphed at the PGA National, and with a stellar third round, he’s making a strong bid to repeat his success. However, the battle at the Cognizant Classic 2024 is wide open, with David Skinns and Austin Eckroat sharing the lead with the Irishman. After 54 holes, the trio sits atop the leaderboard with a total score of -13, distancing themselves from the nearest competitors by three strokes.

Shane Lowry, results

Lowry and Skinns delivered the best rounds among the three, both finishing their moving day with an impressive -5 (66 strokes). For Lowry, there was just one stumble, at the 13th hole, followed by three well-timed birdies split evenly between the front and back nines. On the other hand, Skinns crafted a flawless third round, gaining five strokes with as many birdies, including two in the final three holes to seize the lead. Eckroat concluded his Saturday with a solid 68 (-3), marked by two bogeys (at the 5th and 14th holes) and five birdies.

Lowry is vying for his third career victory on the PGA Tour, while Skinns aims for his first top-10 finish in 33 appearances on the American circuit. Eckroat eyes his maiden win in his fiftieth outing. Behind them lies a considerable gap, following a tightly contested battle with numerous golfers within three strokes. In fourth place at -10, an intriguing group includes American Jacob Bridgeman (who surged 32 positions with his 65), Australian Min Woo Lee, Frenchman Victor Perez, Scotsman Martin Laird, and Kevin Yu of Chinese Taipei.

Completing the top ten on the splendid par 71 course at the PGA National in The Palm Beaches, Florida, with a total of -9, are Andrew Novak and C.T. Pan. However, behind the leading trio, the competition is fierce. Twenty-five players are within five strokes, with 15 golfers tied for 11th place at -8. Among them are Rickie Fowler (who posted his second consecutive 67 on Saturday) and second-round leader Bud Cauley (74). Rory McIlroy trails by one stroke, needing one of his trademark miracles to contend in the final round.