Peter Hanson leads the Masters Tournament after third round – Golf News
Peter Hanson displayed a stunning show of birdies in the third round of the Masters Tournament, at the Augusta National Golf Club, to take a one-stroke lead over Phil Mickelson on Saturday, April 7, 2012.
Hanson kicked off the round with a bogey on the very first hole. However, he never looked back and continued to display his skills on the course.
A birdie on the second hole followed by two consecutive ones on the seventh and eighth hole gave him some confidence.
While playing on the back nine, he cheered his fans with five birdie putts to finish the round at a seven-under par 65. He has recorded a total of 18 birdies on the 54 holes he has played so far.
“It was just one of those rounds that turned into a great round,” Hanson said. “It’s going to be tough. I’ve been up on the leader board a few times, but I’ve never led in anything like this”.
Phil Mickelson also had a great run on the back nine, as he carded four birdies and a spectacular eagle to take the second spot with an eight-under par overall score. He was playing in a group that was following Hanson’s group on the course.
“It’s very difficult to try to follow those kinds of birdies when you’re watching it right in front of you,” Mickelson said.
He was pleased with his performance, especially the final-hole birdie that he earned with a 15-foot putt.
“It was awesome, it was so much fun,” Mickelson said. “When that putt (on No. 18) went in, it was such a good feeling. It just makes it possible to have something really special tomorrow”.
After great rounds on Saturday, both Mickelson and Hanson are placed in the final group to tee off on Sunday.
Mickelson is quite happy with his pairing, as he recorded all his major victories while playing in the last group. According to Mickelson, playing in the final group is the best opportunity a player can get in the Masters Tournament.
He is now aiming to register his fourth victory at the Masters Tournament that will place him two behind the leader, Jack Nicklaus.
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