Bubba Watson chipping on the 15th hole during day 3 of the Genesis Open at the Riviera Country Club in Los Angeles, Ca on February 17, 2018. Jevone Moore
Pacific Palisades, CA – The Genesis Open happening on one side of town while the NBA All-Star Weekend on the other side of town. How fitting that dual threat star Bubba Watson is staring in both events.
Watson leads the Open after finishing his third round at 10-under-par, fresh off his celebrity basketball appearance last night at the Los Angeles Convention Center next to Staples Center.
“It calms you down real fast when you tap in for eagle,” said Watson, “that just is a lot of momentum going forward.”
The pressure dropped quickly off of Watson who is use to winning here at Riviera with wins ’14 and ’16. Now with a one shot lead going into the final day, he has placed himself in a great position to win his third.
Patrick Cantlay chipping up on the 15th green during day 3 of the Genesis Open at the Riviera Country Club in Los Angeles, Ca on February 17, 2018. Jevone Moore
The local UCLA golfer Patrick Cantlay who finished 9-under-par is playing on his home course from college and not ready to claim defeat.
“I really wanted to birdie the last hole,” said Cantlay, “I was close on a couple of shots that turned out really, really bad.
So who knows with what the battle will be like playing in the same group will bring.
“I have a bunch of support, family and friends, and the crowd’s pulling for me and I love the golf course and it would be special.” said Cantlay.
These two leaders will tee off in the last group Sunday with Cameron Smith at 10:10am Sunday.
Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland plays his shot from the tenth tee during third day of the Genesis Open at the Riviera Country Club in Los Angeles, Ca on February 17, 2018. Jevone Moore
So with five golfers within two shots of leader Watson the last two groups will be deadly.
Tony Finau who played alongside Watson today finished at 8-under-par to be in striking distance.
Dustin Johnson celebrates a birdie during third day of the Genesis Open at the Riviera Country Club in Los Angeles, Ca on February 17, 2018. Jevone Moore
The defending champion Dustin Johnson is only four shots back at 6-under-par, who know what he will do if putts start falling.
“I played the back nine very well, I just didn’t make any putts.” said Johnson “I’m definitely looking forward to getting back there(golf course).”
So let’s see who will have the mental toughness and game to be crowned the 2018 Genesis Open Champion.
