It was a beautiful day here in Central Ohio and there was some beautiful golf played at Muirfield Village during the third round of the Memorial Tournament. Ernie Els leads Fred Couples, K.J. Choi, and Justin Rose by two shots going into the final round on Sunday. The Big Easy shot a practically flawless 66 with three birdies and no bogies on each side leaving him at twelve under par. Playing with Couples seemed to suit Ernie and Couples as Couples - whose swing is awfully smooth as well - chipped in on 7 and 17 to post 68.
But don't count out Tiger Woods. Tiger is only three strokes back at nine under after shooting a 67. Tiger is hitting the fairways again and putting well and that means trouble for those ahead of him. Els has rarely been able to shine with Tiger sharing the spotlight, although he did win the British Open a few years back when Tiger had a horrendous third round in horrid weather, but with a three stroke cushion, and a smooth as silk swing, Els should feel comfortable. If Tiger can get hot early, however, that should put pressure on the Els and there is enough trouble lurking around this golf course that anything can happen.
Last year's winner Kenny Perry stormed back into the top ten with a 66 matching Els for the low round of the day. Perry sits at six under with Ostrander native and British Open Champ Ben Curtis who struggled to a one over 73. Fifty year old Jay Haas is hanging in there at minus five with Us Open winner Retief Goosen to round out the top ten. Haas is coming off a second place finish at the US PGA Championship and is trying to make the Ryder Cup teams on points. A top ten finish wouldn't hurt.
With big names on the leaderboard on a great course and with surprisingly good weather - rain is a perennial problem for the Memorial - we should see some great golf on Sunday. I for one am looking forward to it.
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