Tiger Woods believes he is “in reach” of a first title since 2013 but knows that he has to post a “low one” to win the Arnold Palmer Invitational.
Former world number one Tiger Woods (18/1 – Arnold Palmer Invitational Outright) says he must shoot a “really low round” on Sunday if he wants to win the Arnold Palmer Invitational for an unprecedented ninth time.
Woods, who finished tied-second at the Valspar Championship last week, carded a three-under-par 69 on Saturday to move into a four-way share of 10th on -7, five strokes off the pace.
The 14-time Major winner, who made six birdies and three bogeys during his third round, will need to be near-perfect at Bay Hill over the final 18 holes if he is to pick up a first victory since 2013.
Sweden’s Henrik Stenson (13/8 fav), who is expected to be a key cog in Europe’s 2018 Ryder Cup team for the event at Le Golf National, signed for a one-under-par 71 to move onto -12, one stroke ahead of second-placed American Bryson DeChambeau (7/1).
Northern Irishman Rory McIlroy (100/30), who had been struggling for form ahead of the tournament, moved into third on -10 after shooting a brilliant five-under-par 67.
Englishman Justin Rose (15/2) and American Ryan Moore (20/1) are a further stroke back on -9 whilst Charley Hoffman, Rickie Fowler, Talor Gooch and Byeong Hun An are sitting on -8.
Woods, who is still aiming to make USA’s 2018 Ryder Cup team despite being named as a vice-captain, says he is feeling optimistic ahead of the final round but knows a fantastic performance is required.
“I figure I’m within reach if I shoot a really, really low round tomorrow,” he said. “I’m going to have to shoot a low one and get a little bit of help. But my responsibility is to go out and shoot a low one first.”
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Odds subject to change.
