Dublin's Jacob Solomon Leads Junior PGA
POTOMAC FALLS, Va. (CBS/AP) — The Bay Area's Jacob Solomon took the third-round lead Thursday in the Junior PGA Championship and Abbey Carlson and Kristen Gillman shared the top spot in the girls' division.
The 16-year-old Solomon, from Dublin, had a 4-under 67 to reach 9-under 204 at Trump National Golf Club—Washington, D.C. Tyler McDaniel of Manchester, Ky., was a stroke back after a 65 that tied the male competitive course record. Second-round leader Brad Dalke of Hobart, Okla., was third at 7 under after a 70.
The 15-year-old Carlson, from Lake Mary, Fla., had a 69 to match Gillman, also 15, at 4 under. Gillman, from Austin, Texas, shot 70. Amy Lee of Brea, Calif., matched the female competitive course record with a 67 to move into third place at 3 under.
Solomon had his third consecutive round in the 60s.
''I hit a lot of greens, which gave me a bunch of opportunities to score,'' Solomon said. ''I didn't get in too much trouble all day and that was key to my success out there. ...
''I do like playing with the lead and I think I will be fine tomorrow. I had three wins last summer, and I had the lead in all of them heading into the final round. I am pretty confident.''
McDaniel had six birdies in his bogey-free round.
''Other than the first tee shot and that missed the fairway by 5 yards, I don't think I hit a shot that I didn't like today,'' McDaniel said. ''I had no fear today. I had nothing to lose since I wasn't leading.''
Carlson had a bogey-free round, making a 25-foot birdie putt at the par-3 ninth and a 35-footer on the par-4 16th.
''I was really consistent,'' Carlson said. ''I played well and didn't make a single bogey. I made some really good par saves on four, five and six, which helped me stay consistent throughout the rest of the round.''
Gillman had four birdies and three bogeys in her third straight under-par round.
''My ball striking was solid throughout the day and I made a few really good putts,'' Gillman said. ''I need to hit it well again tomorrow and make a few putts to have a chance. It's going to be fun.''
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