2009 Crowne Plaza Invitational at Colonial Round 3
FORT WORTH – Tim Clark and Steve Marino are widely considered among the best players without a victory on the PGA TOUR. That may change Sunday when there is a good chance one of them will leave Colonial with a win. Tim Clark took the lead with a round of 66 for a total of 17-under par 193. Marino vaulted into a tie for second with a career low round of 62, the lowest of the tournament.
Clark, coming into the day in 2nd place, played the round safely. Clark said, “A couple of times I just played to the safe side of the flag. I will probably do the same tomorrow. This is a course where you can get caught up being too aggresive and make bogeys. Obviously, I’ve been pretty good this week, without making bogeys, I think I made one all week.”
History looks good for Clark as the last 7 winners at the Crowne Plaza Invitational at Colonial have either led or been tied for the lead at 54 holes. Clark has a 2 stroke lead over Steve Marino, Jason Day, and Steve Stricker.
Steve Marino enjoyed his low round of 62, “This is one of the lowest scores I’ve ever shot out here. It was a great round. I just felt really in control of everything out there. It was a great feeling.”
Marino has family ties to the tournament as his mother is from Fort Worth. He talked about the extra incentive, “Yes, it’s awesome. She grew up here and went to Paschal High School. When I got on the TOUR she was so excited that I was coming to play in the Colonial because she used to come watch it when she was growing up. It’s a pretty special event for me. It makes me feel real good to be able to not only come play in this tournament but this year maybe have a chance to win tomorrow.”
In a 3-way tie for second is Jason Day, who has shot 3 consecutive rounds of 65 this week. Day commented on the round, “I’m enjoying myself out there. It’s been a fun week. My mind is in a good spot right now. I just feel really comfortable with the course and how it’s set up. The wind hasn’t been blowing at all this week but I’m sure it’s going to blow tomorrow so it will be a little bit tougher. I have played a lot of stress-free golf. I’m going to try to do that tomorrow.”
Day, a hometown favorite, continued, “I feel really comfortable on this course, obviously this is my home course. I only live 15 minutes away. I’ve been putting the ball really, really well. Just the roll and my speed and my lines have been great. As long as I can go out there tomorrow and just do the job and get it to the green, I think I can be somewhere around the lead come at the end of tomorrow.”
Other top finishers at 54 holes:
Steve Stricker, tied for 2nd with 195
Vijay Singh, 5th with 197
Justin Leonard, tied for 6th with 198
Woody Austin, tied for 6th with 198
