Matt Kuchar’s roller coaster round highlights third-round takeaways from World Wide Technology Championship

LOS CABOS, Mexico — Matt Kuchar’s performance on Saturday at El Cardonal at Diamante was on fire until it suddenly cooled down. Kuchar was playing spectacularly, with nine birdies and an eagle, moving from two shots behind Camilo Villegas to seven shots ahead of him. However, disaster struck at the 15th hole when Kuchar made a quadruple-bogey and a bogey at the next, allowing Villegas to catch up. In just half an hour, the World Wide Technology Championship took a dramatic turn. At the end of the day, Kuchar and Villegas were tied for the lead at 19-under 197, marking the first time two players age 40 or older have shared the 54-hole lead since 2017.

Kuchar admitted that the 15th hole was particularly challenging. He neglected to search for his lost tee shot, and his provisional shot ended up in a difficult spot with a steep slope. Despite his best efforts, Kuchar took six shots just to reach the green. Villegas, watching from the green, was impressed by Kuchar’s struggle.

Following the disaster at the 15th hole, Kuchar faced more trouble at the par-3 16th. His tee shot barely cleared the arroyo in front of the green and he struggled to make it onto the green. However, Kuchar managed to make a crucial putt for bogey. Despite the setbacks, Kuchar remained calm and focused on the positive aspects of his game.

Villegas, although not as smooth as the previous days, managed to make a comeback with three birdies on his final four holes. He finished the round with a 69, tying Kuchar for the lead.

Erik van Rooyen also had a strong start to the third round, shooting birdie-eagle-birdie to reach 5 under after just six holes. He finished the round with a 66 and is currently in third place.

Patton Kizzire had an impressive day with his putter, shooting a bogey-free 9-under 63 to climb up the leaderboard. He is currently in seventh place and is hoping to secure his spot on the Tour for next season with a strong finish.

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Daniel Miller

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