LOS ANGELES (AFP) – Jonas Blixt and Cameron Smith produced a bogey-free four-under par 68 on Saturday, stretching their lead to four strokes entering the final round of the Zurich Classic of New Orleans.
‘‘It doesn’t matter how many bogeys you make if you’re in the lead,’’ said Blixt, a two-time winner on the US tour. ‘‘I’m very happy about the way we played.’’
‘‘Kudos to you,’’ Blixt said in turning to his partner, who is seeking a first PGA Tour title. ‘‘You played some really good golf coming in – there were some really hard shots into the wind there.’’
Saturday’s alternate shot format didn’t produce the sizzling scores seen in better ball play on Friday – when Blixt and Smith combined for a 62 to seize a one-stroke lead.
Through 54 holes, they are four in front of two all-US duos: Kevin Kisner and Scott Brown, who posted a 67; and Charley Hoffman and Nick Watney, who carded a 69.
Former world number one Jordan Spieth and fellow Texan Ryan Palmer were a further stroke back after a 70 for 202.
Blixt and Smith started strong with birdies at the second and third. They picked up two more strokes with birdies at 15 and 18 – where Blixt’s 123-yard third shot left Smith a tap-in.
Kisner and Brown opened with nine pars before coming alive on the back nine with six birdies and a bogey.
