Curtis holds three-shot lead on last day in Texas

Former Open Championship winner Ben Curtis took a three-shot lead into the final round of the Valero Texas Open as he looked to end a six-year title wait yesterday.

The 34-year-old American extended his overnight lead by a single stroke on Saturday despite an erratic round of 73 that included a pair of double bogeys.

Curtis had been flawless through the opening two days at TPC San Antonio, but he fell foul of Saturday’s treacherous conditions from the start as he took six to double bogey the first. It got worse with a seven at the par-five eighth, to go out in 39, but he bounced back with three birdies and a bogey after the turn which proved enough to extend his lead at nine-under.

Curtis saw his closest challenger and playing partner David Mathis implode with a five-over 77, to leave Matt Every as the closest challenger on six-under.

Every, who shot a course-record 63 on the opening day, carded a 73 which combined three bogeys and two birdies.