CHAPPELL LEADS IN TEXAS OPEN

Kevin Chappell is a step closer to realizing his dream of lifting his first PGA Tour after he birdied three of five holes, finishing one under par 71. He now holds a one-stroke lead after three rounds at the Valero Texas Open.

The runner up in 2011 is eight under 54. He has now surpassed the leader after the first round Branden Grace. Grace is two under 70. John Huh finished at 71 after his eagle birdie finish.

Texan Ryan Palmer had his hit move at 25 mph despite the wind. He finished four under 68 despite having the round of the day. He is six under alongside joint round two leaders Bud Cauley and Tony Finau at 74 apiece, Carl Pettersson at 71, Martin Laird at 71, Kevin Tway at 72 and Cameron Smith at 73.

Chappell equalled Rory McIlroy’s seven majors at the recent Masters and he is going strong.

“It was about finding a rhythm. I knew when I found it, I could extend it. You can get it going on the finishing stretch,” he said.

The 30-year old started his charge late on Saturday as he was an eagle putt short at the par five 14th then he made good holes and birdies. In the 18th his shot moved close to a brook but he was able to get it back to the green and get a two putt par. He took some time off after the Augusta event and seemed well rested and confident after the third round in San Antonio.

Grace, who started the tournament as the leader, said it was “irritating out there” but advised players to be patient in getting pars. With each day there were less scores below par: Thursday 69, Friday 49 and 14 on Saturday.