'Number 1' Johnson Leads "I Like Saudi~"... 'Hulk' DeChambeau 18th
European Tour Saudi International Day 3: Adding 4 Under Par to Lead by 2 Strokes, Perez in 2nd Place
World No. 1 Dustin Johnson is teeing off on the 17th hole on the third day of the Saudi International. King Abdullah Economic City (Saudi Arabia) = Getty Images / Photo by Multivitz
View original image[Asia Economy Kim Hyun-jun, Golf Specialist Reporter] World No. 1 Dustin Johnson (USA) has taken the lead.
On the 7th (Korean time), at the Royal Greens Golf Club (par 70, 7,010 yards) in King Abdullah Economic City, Saudi Arabia, during the third day of the European Tour Saudi International (total prize money $3.5 million), Johnson added 4 under par to hold a 2-stroke lead (13 under par 197). Victor Perez (France) is in second place (11 under par 199), while Tony Finau (USA) and Tyrrell Hatton (England) are tied for third (10 under par 200), fiercely competing for the championship.
Johnson made 1 birdie in the remaining 4 holes of the second round and then recorded 6 birdies and 1 double bogey in the third round. It is noteworthy that he showcased a maximum drive of 329.50 yards and a green hit rate of 83.33%. His putting count was 29, and his green play was also strong. It is somewhat regrettable that his 'no bogey' streak in this tournament was broken by a double bogey on the 13th hole (par 4). On his second shot, he used a 3-iron but the ball landed in the water.
For Johnson, this course is especially a 'promised land' where he became the inaugural champion in 2019. He finished second last year, showing particular strength on the Royal Greens course. He swept 4 wins on the PGA Tour, including 3 wins in the 2020 season and 1 win in the 2021 season, truly a 'Johnson reign.' In the playoffs (PO) held in August and September, he achieved an impressive record of 'win-second place-win,' and in November's 'Fall Masters,' he set the tournament record low score (20 under par 268).
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David Horsey (England), who surprisingly led with 9 under par on the first day, is aiming for a comeback from tied 7th place (9 under par 201). 'The Hulk' Bryson DeChambeau (USA) struggled with his iron shots and remained tied for 18th place (7 under par 203). Last week's winners, including 'Dubai Desert Classic Champion' Paul Casey (England) tied for 23rd (6 under par 204) and PGA Tour 'Farmers Insurance Open Champion' Patrick Reed (USA) tied for 44th (3 under par 207), have shown little presence.
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