In LIV Golf Greenbrier, Jon Rahm surged ahead with a remarkable 8-under 62 on Saturday, ending with an eagle-birdie-birdie streak. This performance placed the Spaniard two shots ahead of the likes of Brooks Koepka and three others in the tournament.
The West Virginia-based Old White course proved quite susceptible, with only six out of 54 players finishing over par through two rounds, leading to a closely contested leaderboard.
Rahm, who faced recent Olympic disappointment despite holding a significant lead, finished at 14-under 126.
Koepka posted a 64 and was part of the group at 128 alongside Talor Gooch (66), 51-year-old Richard Bland (64), and Lucas Herbert (63).
Beginning the round on the second hole due to a shotgun start, Rahm’s eagle on the par-5 17th and subsequent birdies on the 18th and first holes propelled him into the lead. The Spaniard will aim for back-to-back LIV Golf titles after going without one for the season.
Cameron Smith, with a round of 63 marred by two bogeys, led a sizable group of players at 129, trailing the leader by three shots. Nine players were within three shots heading into the final round at the Greenbrier.
Defending champion Bryson DeChambeau, who won last year with a final round 58, shot 65 and trailed Rahm by seven shots.
Note: AP golf coverage is available at https://apnews.com/hub/golf.