Hadwin stays ahead in search of first PGA win

MIAMI, Florida: Canada’s Adam Hadwin fired a bogey-free four-under par 67 on Saturday to seize a four-stroke lead over American Patrick Cantlay after the third round of the US PGA Valspar Championship.

The 29-year-old from Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan — seeking his first PGA crown — stood on 14-under 199 after 54 holes over Innisbrook’s Copperhead course in Palm Harbor, Florida.

Cantlay, also seeking his first PGA title, roared into second with the day’s low round, a 66, to reach Sunday’s final pairing on 203, one ahead of compatriot Jim Herman, who led Thursday after an opening 62, and two better than American Dominic Bozzelli.

British Open champion Henrik Stenson of Sweden and American J J Henry shared fifth on 206.

Hadwin eased his nerves with an opening birdie, finding the fringe with his second shot and two-putting from there.

“I felt really good on the golf course,” Hadwin said. “A little nervous on the putting green. Got over that pretty quickly, made a good drive, a good swing and two putts for a birdie. That relaxed me really quick.”

Hadwin added a six-foot birdie putt at the seventh, then dropped a 33-foot birdie putt at the par-4 12th thanks to some help from being able to read a similar putt from playing partner Herman.

The Canadian followed with a 55-foot birdie putt at the par-3 15th and sank a testy six-foot par putt at the 18th to keep his four-stroke advantage.