The Loop
Cheat Sheet: Jimmy Walker ties himself, Koepka's Card shopping, and Lexi the old-timer
By Derek Evers
Koepka's Card shopping
When American Brooks Koepka opted to play in Europe instead of vying for his PGA Tour card on the Web.com here in the States, it seemed like unconventional wisdom. But the decision might be paying off as he now holds a two-stroke lead heading into Sunday's final round of the Frys.com Open -- his first regular PGA Tour event. With a win, Koepka would earn full Tour status and it could sway a few other borderline pros to consider honing their game against stiffer competition across the pond. Either way, a strong finish will ensure we'll be seeing more of the young player this year.
Lexi Thompson on the 18th hole at the Sime Darby LPGA. Photo: Stanley Chou
Old-timer Thompson
It wasn't long ago when we were all talking about Lexi Thompson the teenage sensation who was the youngest winner on the LPGA Tour. Then Lydia Ko came along. Now, at the ripe old age of 18, Thompson's a veteran of the LPGA and seeking her second career win after a Saturday 66 put her three strokes clear of South Korea's Ilhee Lee at the Sime Darby LPGA Malaysia. Wearing pink for breast cancer awareness, Thompson's bogey-free third round gave her a 17-under three day total of 196. Her stiffest competition might come from the third-place position, where Suzann Pettersen, and last week's winner, Shanshan Feng sit six strokes back.
Jimmy Walker ties his own record
Jimmy Walker and George McNeil fired Saturday 62s at the CordeValle Golf Club, tying a tournament course record held by none other than Jimmy Walker. Both players shot 31-31, making 10 birdies and a bogey. One of our Sleepers to watch in 2013/14, Walker shot a final-round 62 here last year to finish fourth. Still searching for his first Tour win, he currently sits T4, three shots behind leader Brooks Koepka and one behind McNeil who, in second place, is looking for his third PGA Tour win. One of his two victories came at the Frys.com when it was held in Las Vegas, but neither qualified him for the Masters as this year's tournament would.