Azalea Invitational: Andy Zhang with Three-Stroke Lead Heading to Final Day
Azalea Invitational leader Andy Zhang
(Golfweek.com Photo)
HARLESTON, SC (April 2, 2016)--A Thursday 67, Friday 67 and Saturday 67 have put Andy Zhang (-12) on the verge of winning the 68th playing of the Azalea Invitational. Zhang has now posted identical 4-under-par scores on three consecutive days to lead by three over Patrick Christovich (-9) at the Country Club of Charleston.
Zhang, a native of Beijing, has bogeyed just a single hole during each of the first three rounds. The Florida commit, playing in the final group birdied four holes on the front nine for an opening side 32. On the back nine Zhang offset his lone bogey of the day on No. 11 with a birdie on No. 17.
He will lead Christovich (New Orleans, LA) by three-stokes heading into the final 18-holes. Sunday will be the first day that Christovich will not have at least a share of the lead to start a round. Christovich had just one bogey through the first two rounds but struggled a bit on Saturday.
The 37-year-old real estate salesman, widely considered the top mid-amateur in Louisiana, got off to a slow start with a bogey on No. 1. From then on it was an effort just to hang around par for the day. Christovich did well to post a 1-under-par 70 and remain in the hunt after birding five and bogeying four others.
Trent Phillips and Jeronimo Esteve both at 8-under-par are T3 and four behind. Ryan Celano (-7) is one further back in fifth. Defending champion Todd White (-4) is in a tie for eighth place.
ABOUT THE Azalea Invitational
72-hole stroke play championship with a 54-hole cut
on a
1925
Seth Raynor design. Good mix of college
players, juniors
and mid amateurs. 7 spots available in a
qualifier.
Impressive list of past champions at this
traditional event. Reigning USGA champs often use
this tournament as a tune-up for the Masters.
View Complete Tournament Information