Taylor Pendrith uses twin eagles to grab Byron Nelson lead

Field Level Media|published: Sat 4th May, 18:25 2024

May 4, 2024; McKinney, Texas, USA; Taylor Pendrith plays his shot from the second tee during the third round of THE CJ CUP Byron Nelson golf tournament. credits: Raymond Carlin III-USA TODAY Sports

Taylor Pendrith made back-to-back eagles early Saturday to propel himself to the 54-hole lead at the CJ Cup Byron Nelson on Saturday in McKinney, Texas.

The 32-year-old from Canada turned in a bogey-free, 8-under 63 for the round of the day at TPC Craig Ranch. At 19-under 194, Pendrith owns a one-shot lead over Jake Knapp, who recovered from a wayward tee shot at the par-5 18th hole to make a 16-foot birdie putt and post a 67.

Ben Kohles (65) and Englishman Matt Wallace (67) are tied for third at 17 under.

Pendrith's first eagle came at the par-5 fifth hole. He chipped from 27 feet out and watched his ball bump into the flagstick and roll in the back door. At the short par-4 sixth, he played a perfectly judged pitch shot from 41 yards away, as it died right at the hole and pushed him to 16 under for the tournament when it dropped.

Now, Pendrith is one round away from clinching his first career PGA Tour title.

Knapp opened the tournament with a pair of 64s to lead the pack, but he appeared unhappy with missed opportunities in his Saturday round, which featured four birdies and 14 pars.

—Field Level Media

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