Round three of the Bass Pro Legends of Golf at Big Cedar Lodge is in the books. The leaderboard looks awfully familiar with 2017 defending champions Vijay Singh and Carlos Fanco in first place by one stroke (-19).
“It was a tough day,” Singh said. “The wind was swirling, have to get the club right and we made some putts. Carlos really played well on the back nine and I played really well on the front nine, so we ham-and-egged it a little.”
The duo of David Toms and Steve Flesch head into the final round trailing by a stroke.
“We just paired well together. I don't think either one of us played great. We picked each other up out there,” said Toms.
What will it take for a repeat for Singh & Franco?
“Make as many birdies and as possible and see what happens,” Singh said. “That's all we can do.”
Kansas City faithful show up for Tom Watson
After the third round, Tom Watson and his partner Andy North sit 12 strokes back, though it doesn't matter to the contingent of Watson supporters who made the trip from Kansas City.
“It's wonderful,” said Kansas City resident Chris Supica. “What an incredible event. Could not anticipate any other venue that's any better than this and couldn't be pulling for anyone more than our favorite, Tom Watson.”
Watson admitted he didn't play well, but seemed accepting of it, “We're those late-60s guys who have a great time playing golf together,” he said with a smile.
The fans who traveled from Kansas City to Big Cedar Lodge made an impression on Watson, 11th all time on the PGA Tour wins list with 39 tournament victories, including eight major championships.
“Lotta Royals hats, rather than those Cardinals hats,” he playfully said.
Watson did acknowledge St. Louis' golf heritage, with a shoutout to former KSDK sports director and one of golf's and sports' broadcasting legends, Jay Randolph.
“Over all those years he did all that work in television and radio it was always was a pleasure to be in your company, Jay.”
Watson plays an integral part in the success of golf at Big Cedar Lodge from the standpoint that he helped design the world-class golf facilities with Bass Pro Shops and Big Cedar Lodge founder Johnny Morris, along with fellow golf legends Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, Ben Crenshaw and Arnie – the first golf superstar on television, Arnold Palmer.
“What Johnny (Morris) has done here is spectacular,” said Watson. “He wants people to go to the outdoors, doing all sorts of good stuff. He loves the Ozarks, he loves the area and promotes that with full vigor!”
The 4th and final round of the Bass Pro Legends of Golf at Big Cedar Lodge will host all 36 teams at Top of the Rock on Sunday. Top of the Rock is the first par-3 course in history to be officially sanctioned and used by the PGA.
Pat Imig is on-site at the 2018 Bass Pro Legends of Golf at Big Cedar Lodge. Follow for more content @patimig (IG) and @patrickimig (Twitter) or Email: ImigCommunications@gmail.com
