Padraig Harrington has not ruled out ending a five-year winless drought with victory in the Valero Texas Open.
Despite a disappointing bogey at the last, the triple Major winner ended his round five shots behind American Billy Horschell who carded a third round 70 to move to 10-under par.
Fellow Americans Jim Furyk (69) and Charley Hoffman (70) are tied in second place on eight under par with three players, including World No. 2 Rory McIlroy (71) lying fourth and only four behind.
Horschell continues the good form he displayed in finishing joint runner-up in last week’s Shell Houston Open as the Florida golfer seeks to secure the last remaining invitation into next week’s Masters.
Padraig Harrington signs for fans after his third round in the Valero Texas Open. (Photo – www.golfbytourmiss.com)
However Harrington, who had four birdies in his round, has not given up on making up the difference and capture his first PGA Tour victory since lifting the Rodman Wanamaker Trophy at Oakland Hills in 2008.
“I could have been two or three comfortably better which would have put me in a lovely position going into tomorrow,” said the Dubliner.
“But from where I stand, I need to have a very big day tomorrow. I have some work to do.
“I’m not saying I can’t win the tournament, but it’s not completely in my own hands. Even birdieing the last, if I had birdied the last I would be in second and within shouting distance at the end of the day.
“But four behind is a lot to ask for tomorrow but I can’t say I can’t still win. I’ll just try to shoot the best score I can.”
For a second time in three days Harrington walked off with a bogey at the par five 18th, and a hole not unlike the final hole at the Jumeriah Estates cousre in Dubai and also designed by Greg Norman.
“It was tough today but it was tougher than the first morning because it wasn’t cold, but it was blowing a bit stronger for sure,” added Harrington.
“It was tricky enough on the greens with the wind blowing. It’s been gusting as well, so it’s the south wind which always makes it awkward.”
And with a round to play Harrington is pleased with a decision to add the $6.2m event to his schedule.
“Definitely, and just by playing a tournament because you are able to have a scorecard in your pocket and try and shoot a score,” he said.
“Also I could not have got that experience of trying of hole a four-footer for bogey on the 18th there with a cross wind, and after you have played five shots on the hole, without playing in a tournament.
“There is nothing harder in golf than a bogey putt and that’s what I am here for as I will no doubt face those situations somewhere around Augusta National next week.”
