Kuchar Two Ahead in Hawaii in bid on ninth PGA Tour Win

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(Reuters) – Matt Kuchar has once again become bogey-free to win a two-stroke lead over Andrew Putnam after the third round on the Sony Open in Hawaii on Saturday.

An inability to bom the par-5 18th, in which he hit a bad third shot, was the only minor complaint Kuchar had after a four-under-par 66 at Waialae Country Club in Honolulu.

He recorded a total of 18-under 192, while Putnam eventually tapped a bird for a 67 to go 16-under.

Fellow American Keith Mitchell matched the best score of the day, a seven-bird 63, to finish third with Chez Reavie (66), four shots behind Kuchar, who made only one bogey through 54 holes .

"It's not often that you feel like you know what you're doing with your swing and the ball reacts as you like and you can maneuver the ball as you like," Kuchar told reporters . [19] 459002]

"It does not happen as often as most people think."

Accuracy off the tee with his familiar fade on a shortish course has worked a treat for the 40-year-old.

"That's my strength, finding the fairway and here in the neighborhood it's crucial, there are so many doglegs and this rugged thing is filthy," he said.

"It was incredibly stable, bogey free, the kind of golf I like to play, give yourself plenty of chances, enough will go in."

Kuchar ended almost five years Drought when he won the Mayakoba Classic in November, his eighth PGA Tour victory, and he said it was a good recent experience to have in the memory bank.

"I expect a good round tomorrow," he said.

Putnam, placed second, can not really beat his chances of overtaking a player whose reputation is nearer

Putnam stayed at a very short distance without to do its best.

"I did not hit the ball as well as the first two days, so I'm glad the putter was still warm," he said.

"I just stay aggressive, there are many birdies out there."

(Reporting by Andrew Both in Cary, North Carolina, editing by Amlan Chakraborty)