Phoenix Open golf: Levin six shots clear in Arizona

Published on Monday 6 February 2012 00:00

LITTLE-known American Spencer Levin held his nerve over the tricky closing stretch to move six shots clear after the third round of the frost-delayed Phoenix Open in Scottsdale, Arizona.

The cigarette-puffing Levin recovered from a bogey at the 15th with a birdie at the brutal par-4 17th to card a three-under-par 68 on an afternoon of dazzling sunshine at the TPC Scottsdale.

In pursuit of a maiden PGA Tour victory, the 27-year-old Californian posted a 17-under total of 196 to finish six strokes in front of world No 6 Webb Simpson, who also carded a 68.

Long-hitting American Bubba Watson was a further shot back at 10 under, a 67 putting him level with PGA Tour rookie John Huh (69).

However no one was able to get close to the pacesetting Levin. “I hit a lot of good shots today and I didn’t get into much trouble,” he said after recording four birdies and one bogey. “I felt like I drove it good. Until 15, I hit a lot of solid shots, a lot of greens. It was stress-free.”

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