Healthy again, Las Vegan Piercy fives strokes off lead at Shriners Open
Scott Piercy still has a shot to win the Shriners Hospitals for Children Open. But in some ways, the former Bonanza High School star is already a winner at TPC Summerlin.
Piercy had surgery on his right arm in February and is playing on the PGA Tour this season on a one-time major medical extension. To satisfy the conditions of his extension, he needs to make $300,710 or 200 FedEx Cup points, with 14 events in which to do it.
If he finishes in a three-way tie for third place or better today, he will meet the criteria.
On Saturday, Piercy shot his third straight 4-under-par 67 and is at 12-under 201 entering the final round. He’s tied for fourth place, five shots behind leader Ben Martin.
“It’s been a good week,” Piercy said. “It’s always good to be home and sleeping in my own bed. But the biggest thing is being healthy again. I can hit whatever shot you need to hit. I just need to do it under the gun.”
Piercy said the biggest adjustment is playing in a competitive setting.
“Nothing can duplicate the pressure of tournament golf,” he said. “I’m just getting into the flow of things again.
“Obviously, I want to win,” he said. “If I don’t win and it takes care of my medical, then great. If it doesn’t, I’ve got more tournaments this year, and we’ll go get it during that.
“I usually have a 63 or a 64 during this week. It’s a perfect time for it (today).”
■ LUNDE KEEPS ROLLING — Bill Lunde’s wonderful week at TPC Summerlin got a bit better Saturday.
The former UNLV standout shot a third-round 66 after opening with 68-68 and is tied for ninth place at 202.
“It’s been great, especially being home and doing this in front of family and friends,” Lunde said. “I hit it solid all day and gave myself good chances, and that’s what you want to do out here.”
Lunde, playing on a sponsor’s exemption, will pick up a decent check today. And he’s only six shots out of the lead.
“It’s been a fun week,” he said. “I’m not even thinking about the pressure. I’m just going out and playing, and it seems to be working, so why change anything?”
■ NO WEATHER ISSUES — There were clouds and sprinkles Saturday morning, but by the time the entire field had teed off, the weather at TPC Summerlin had improved dramatically. The sun came out, the winds died down and players were making birdies all over the course.
“I think it may have helped soften the greens a little,” said Martin, whose 62 tied Jimmy Walker for the day’s best round. “The ball was holding pretty good, and it wasn’t like you had to deal with any mud in the fairways.”
■ UPDATED ODDS — Westgate Las Vegas made Martin the 7-4 favorite to win in its updated odds after the third round. Russell Knox is at 3-1, Walker at 13-2 and Webb Simpson at 12-1. The field is 12-1.
Contact reporter Steve Carp at scarp@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2913. Follow him on Twitter: @stevecarprj.
