- Slug: Sports-Phoenix Open Detry. 500 words.
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By Jayce Cicinelli
Cronkite News
SCOTTSDALE – As much success as Thomas Detry has found on the PGA Tour, one thing has eluded him.
A victory.
That could change Sunday as the nine-year veteran from Belgium finds himself in prime position after shooting a 6-under 65 Saturday to take a five-shot lead into the final round of the WM Phoenix Open.
“Yeah, I think you’ll think about it no matter what,” Detry said about chasing his first win. “It’s all about how you deal with those emotions. It’s OK to think about it but then try to come back in the present, so I think that will be the key for tomorrow.”
The former University of Illinois standout, 32, has played in 67 events, has two runner-up finishes, five top-five finishes, nine top-10 finishes and has made cuts in 53 of 67 tournaments. He kicked off the Phoenix Open with a 5-under 66 Thursday to send a strong message.
He had his best day on the front nine Saturday with a 4-under par 31 after sinking four birdies over his first five holes. He finished strong by making a 19-foot par putt on 18.
Other highlights included Maverick McNealy, the 29-year-old from Stanford, California, who jumped up 28 positions after finishing with an 8-under par 63. He posted eight birdies and no bogeys and is 12-under par heading into the final day in sixth place.
McNealy has enjoyed the WM Phoenix Open experience.
“This is one of my favorite tournaments to play in,” McNealy said. “Previous years, it has gotten out of hand, but I think this year has gotten better with the fun and energetic environment and still trying to get a birdie on hole 16. … I’ll get another crack at it tomorrow.”
McNealy has won one PGA tournament: the RSM Classic in Georgia in November.
“Winning this tournament would definitely be the most people around that have ever seen me win a tournament,” McNealy said. “It would be a lot of fun, and I can’t imagine that high energy and adrenaline building up on the last few holes.”
Rasmus Hojgaard was another pro with a strong day, finishing 13-under and solidifying himself in a four-way tie for second place on day three.
Denmark’s Hojgaard has only competed in 23 PGA tournaments. He has five international wins and two top-10 finishes but has never finished the top five.
“It’s good,” Hojgaard said. “I’ve played well the last couple weeks, so it’s nice to see that it just keeps going into this week. It’s good to be in contention.”
Daniel Berger, Jordan Spieth and Michael Kim are also tied for second. Robert MacIntyre, the 28-year-old from Scotland, shot a 6-under par, good for seventh place.
Two time WM Phoenix Open champ Scottie Scheffler took a step back today, finishing at 68. He is tied for 10th at 10-under par.
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