Sungjae Im 3 Shots Behind in 5th Place "Big Par on 18th Hole"... Fleetwood Leads

Honda Classic Day 3: Evenpar Steel 2nd, An Byeonghun Tied 14th, Lee Kyeonghun Tied 23rd

Im Sung-jae is reading the putting line on the 14th hole on the third day of the Honda Classic. Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, USA = Getty Images / Multibits

[Asia Economy Golf Specialist Reporter Kim Hyun-jun] "Tied 63rd → Tied 9th → Tied 5th → ?"

'2019 Rookie of the Year' Im Sung-jae (22, CJ Logistics) continues his upward momentum. On the 1st (Korean time) at PGA National Golf Club (Par 70, 7,125 yards) in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, USA, during the third day of the PGA Tour Honda Classic (total prize money $7 million), he shot an even par to rise to tied 5th place (2-under 208). He is just 3 strokes behind the leader Tommy Fleetwood (England, 5-under 205), well positioned to contend for the win.

Im Sung-jae recorded 3 birdies and 3 bogeys. After a bogey on the 2nd hole (par 4), he recovered with a birdie on the 3rd hole (par 5), then added birdies on the 7th and 13th holes to build momentum. It was unfortunate that he lost 2 strokes on the notoriously difficult 15th to 17th holes at PGA National, known as the 'Bear Trap.' He missed the green on both the 15th and 16th holes. The final 18th hole (par 5) 'big par' was a consolation. After struggling in bunkers and rough, he holed a putt from off the green.

Fleetwood reduced his score by 3 strokes amid strong winds. Brendan Steele (USA) is in 2nd place (4-under 206). Luke Donald and Lee Westwood (both England) are tied for 3rd (3-under 207), creating a strong 'England squad' atmosphere. Daniel Berger (USA) and Charl Schwartzel (South Africa) are tied for 5th, while Korea's An Byeong-hun (29) is looking for an opportunity in tied 14th (even par 210). Lee Kyoung-hoon (29, also CJ Logistics) remained tied 23rd (1-over 211).

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.