Golf: Stricker keeps 5-shot lead in Hawaii

KAPALUA: American Steve Stricker birdied the last four holes to maintain a five-stroke lead going into the final round of the US PGA Tour’s season-opening Tournament of Champions in Hawaii. It was far from smooth sailing for the world number six as he saw his comfortable overnight cushion dwindle to one stroke through 14 holes. But he was finally able to gain momentum and separate himself from defending champion and first-round leader Jonathan Byrd, Scotland’s Martin Laird and Webb Simpson. Stricker’s four-under par 69 gave him a 54-hole total of 19-under 200, while the trailing trio shared second place on 14-under 205.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 10^th, 2012.