Keith Mitchell surged ahead in the Sanderson Farms Championship with a stellar 7-under 65 round, finishing with a pair of crucial birdies to secure a one-shot lead going into the final round. Mitchell, aiming for his second PGA Tour victory after more than five years, is now at 20-under 196, just ahead of Beau Hossler.
Despite a slow start, Mitchell's strong finish, including a remarkable birdie putt on the 17th hole and a precise approach on the 18th, propelled him to the top of the leaderboard. Hossler and Daniel Berger were in contention but faced setbacks, with Berger struggling on the back nine and Hossler losing the lead briefly after a double bogey on the 12th hole.
Kevin Yu made a late surge with two birdies to secure third place, two shots behind Mitchell. The field remains competitive, with former U.S. Open champion Lucas Glover also in the mix at 16-under 200.
Mitchell, who missed the FedEx Cup playoffs, is eyeing a spot in premium PGA Tour events next year, with a victory potentially securing his entry into prestigious tournaments like The Masters and The Sentry at Kapalua.
As the final round approaches, the depth of talent on the tour is evident, with seasoned veterans and emerging young players vying for the title. Nerves will play a crucial role in the outcome, as players look to navigate the pressure-packed moments down the stretch.
With a mix of experience and hunger for success, the leaderboard sets the stage for an exciting conclusion to the Sanderson Farms Championship, where every shot will count in determining the eventual winner.
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