Greenbrier Classic: Golfers Poised for a Sunday Shootout

White Sulphur Spring, WV - The Greenbrier Classic’s Old White TPC course is secluded beautifully by the Allegheny Mountains. Getting anywhere can be difficult simply because the mountain range prohibits movement. 

On Saturday, there was anything but a lack of movement atop the leaderboard.  The Old White TPC acronym may well have stood for “To Put-it Close.” 

Two players that even made the cut on the number (one-over) made surges Saturday.  Jimmy Walker carded an eight-under par 62 to tie for the lead before the leaders even made it to the first tee.  Chris DiMarco, who started the day on the cut line, shot a six-under par 64 to climb into a tie for eighth.  Also making runs north on the leaderboard were Kyle Stanley, Bob Estes, Andres Romero and John Senden, who all carded 65’s in the third round.

Walker won the 2007 Nationwide event at the Pete Dye course in Bridgeport, West Virginia.  The good vibes and karma of wild and wonderful West Virginia, a putting tip from his father, and accessible pins led him on a low-scoring journey.  When asked about his success in the state, he said after Saturday's round, “I guess we need to have more tournaments here.”

DiMarco has battled wrist and shoulder injuries. He has not played in a Major since 2008, but has four top-25 finishes in 2011. 

Another player that has battled a wrist injury is Anthony Kim.  Slow to emerge on the PGA Tour, Kim has let his hair grow and after two rounds of 69, has emerged atop the leaderboard.   His third round eight-under 62, like Walker’s, had a chance to be even better. Kim enters today’s round at 10-under, one ahead of PGA Tour rookie Scott Stallings and two ahead of Webb Simpson and Gary Woodland.

Kim has a newfound attitude.  Crediting his parents for his mental rebound, he said after Saturday's round, “My parents have meant everything to my golf game.  I wouldn’t have gotten started in golf without my dad, and I’m lucky to have a set of clubs because of my mom."  He added, “After I shot 81 (Canadian Open) and she noticed somebody in the gallery who was less fortunate and we talked about that.  I came out here ready to play some golf, have a good time and 63 shots later I’m sitting here.”  Kim has a new mental approach and his game seems to be fine-tuned.

Before the British Open, Kim was struggling with both his attitude and his scoring.  On Saturday, he made eight birdies inside 10 feet.  And, on most of those holes he was hitting wedge into the hole.  His back nine (31) included birdies on 10, 11, 12, 14, and 17.  The three-time winner on the PGA Tour said, “I think it would mean more than any of the other wins I’ve had just because of the fact I have made adjustments."  He added, “For the last six-months before the British, I did not want to be on a golf course.”

Play was suspended at 4:37 p.m. Saturday due to an impending storm.  Lightning was spotted three to four miles south of the course.  Eight groups were still on the golf course.  Play resumed and everyone concluded their round. 

The most experienced player at the top, Kim figures to be the favorite.  There will be a shoot out with more birdies today.