AUGUSTA, United Statesv (AFP) – Rickie Fowler, who has endured years of major near-misses while his best pals won golf’s biggest prizes, has given himself another chance at Sunday glory or heartbreak at the Masters.
The 29-year-old American, still seeking his first major victory, fired his first bogey-free round at Augusta National, a career Masters-low 7-under par 65, to stand third on 9-under par 207 after 54 holes.
‘‘Definitely a special round,’’ Fowler said. ‘‘We took care of what we needed to take care of and tomorrow’s a chance for us go do something pretty cool.’’
It’s a familiar spot. He was third after three rounds last year, having led the Masters for the first time after 36 holes only to shoot 71. He then closed with a 76 and shared 11th.
‘‘Last year I may have gotten too defensive or too aggressive, and you learn from that and move on,’’ Fowler said. ‘‘It wasn’t the finish I wanted.’’
Fowler has seven top-5 major finishes with no wins.