Bill Haas takes three-shot lead in Northern Trust Open

Published on 18/02/2013 00:00

DEFENDING Northern Trust Open champion Bill Haas stormed to the head of the leaderboard going into the final round with a seven-under-par 64 in California.

DEFENDING Northern Trust Open champion Bill Haas stormed to the head of the leaderboard going into the final round with a seven-under-par 64 in California.

A blemish-free third round from Haas was highlighted by an eagle at the par-4 10th and gave him a commanding three-shot lead on 12-under.

Heading the chase were Webb Simpson, Charl Schwartzel and John Merrick on nine-under, 
with world No 3 Luke Donald and Swede Fredrik Jacobson both a shot behind. Donald was fifth overnight and stayed exactly where he was with a one-under 70, which put him alongside Jacobson, who carded a 71.