HONOLULU — Stephan Jaeger delivered an impressive performance at Waialae, carding nine birdies for the lowest round of the week during the Sony Open. Despite this achievement, two pars proved critical for him on Saturday, emphasizing the tight competition where every shot counts.
Jaeger is acutely aware that slipping up could mean losing ground in a tournament as competitive as this one, especially as it heads into its final round. J.J. Spaun showcased resilience by responding to bogeys with birdies during the crucial stretch, ultimately ending the day with a 5-under 65. His performance earned him a narrow lead, just one stroke ahead of Jaeger, Eric Cole (67), and Patrick Fishburn (68).
Jaeger’s round included a remarkable 62, which featured a delightful birdie putt from nearly 60 feet on the eighth, his 17th hole of the day. He recalled two crucial moments: a deft bunker shot on the par-3 fourth that allowed him to save par and another key shot from the bunker on the par-3 seventh, where he managed a 6-foot par save. “After making two birdies, hitting into the bunker on the next hole was a bit disheartening, but getting that shot close kept my momentum intact,” Jaeger explained.
Currently tied at 13-under 197, Spaun leads a tightly-packed leaderboard with 14 players all within three strokes, showcasing the competitive nature of the Sony Open. The traditional course, known for its tricky doglegs and challenging Bermuda rough, often keeps the leaderboard closely bunched until the end.
Jaeger, who gained prominence after defeating Scottie Scheffler at the Houston Open during Scheffler’s stellar year, also appreciates the pressure of being further down the leaderboard. “Being six shots back going into the third round puts you in a tough spot. You either set yourself up for a great round or remain in limbo, hoping for the best,” he stated.
Making his debut at the Sony Open, Fishburn seemed to find his stride as he reached 14 under after a birdie on the par-5 ninth, finishing the front nine at 31. However, his performance plateaued with just one more birdie and three bogeys, ultimately missing a birdie opportunity on the final hole. His struggles allowed several players to move within striking distance.
Keegan Bradley, the Ryder Cup captain, rallied to finish with a 64, while others like Nick Taylor, Brian Harman, and Nico Echavarria also made moves with scores that kept them only two shots off the lead. “Once we turned the corner, the conditions turned challenging, with the wind changing direction and tricky pin placements,” Fishburn noted.
Among those chasing Spaun was Lucas Glover, alongside Gary Woodland, who made his remarkable return from brain surgery last year. Woodland has felt the progress in his game, noting, “If you’re on fire, you can make a charge. I wouldn’t be surprised if an unexpected player jumps ahead with a low score tomorrow.”
Jaeger’s standout round, which included lengthy birdies on the front nine, saw him finish off with a wedge to 4 feet for a birdie on the par-5 ninth, showcasing his growing confidence. Spaun kicks off Sunday’s final round in the lead, buoyed by a smooth week in Hawaii. “I feel relaxed and at ease here,” he remarked. “It’s all about maintaining that mindset and seeing where the day takes me.”
