Ernie Els overcame winds gusting to more than 30 mph to post an outstanding third round 66 and open an eight shot lead in the Genuity Championship over fellow European Tour Member Peter Lonard and World Number One Tiger Woods.
His six under par 66, which included eight birdies, was three shots better than anyone else in the field and gave him 17 under par total of 199. His eight shot lead is the largest 54 hole lead on the US PGA Tour since Woods led by nine strokes in the World Golf Championships – NEC Invitational at Firestine two years ago.
“I wouldn’’t say it was a walk in the park,” Els said. “I’’m a little surprised I am eight ahead. I’’m just doing what I thought I would do for a long time.”
Four years ago Woods overcame an eight stroke deficit in the final round of the Johnnie Walker Classic in Thailand and then beat Els in a play-off. “I know he has come back at me in the past, but I am playing quite well this time,” said Els.
Els birdied the first two holes, and after dropping a shot on the fourth after finding water, bounced straight back with three successive birdies to pull clear of the chasing pack.
“I enjoy competing against the best,” Els said. “Tiger is definitely the best out there so hopefully I will be ready this year for him.”
Both Woods and Lonard carded third rounds of 70 to lie of 207, nine under par, while among the players in the group two shots further back is another European Tour Members, Vijay Singh, who also carded a 70.
