On October 16, the third day of the Zozo Championship 2022, held at the Accordia Golf Narashino Country Club (par 70) in Inzai City, Chiba Prefecture, was held in Inzai City, Chiba Prefecture, and Rickie Fowler (USA) maintained his lead by one stroke with a total of 14 under par. He showed confidence in his first US tour victory in three seasons.

Fowler, who has not won since the 2019 Phoenix Open, had five birdies and one bogey to improve by four strokes and move into sole possession of the lead, one stroke ahead of American Keegan Bradley.

Fowler, a three-time runner-up in majors and former world number four, said he never lost confidence during periods of poor form, including last week’s Shriners Children’s Open, where he missed the cut.

“The last few years have definitely been pretty tough,” said Fowler, who has five tour wins to his name, but added that he’s “looking forward to the challenge” ahead of the final round on the 16th.

“I believe I can do it, but it’s going to be tough. I just have to keep doing what I’ve been doing for the last three days.”

Bradley also recorded five birdies and one bogey, leaving American Andrew Putnam in third place, two strokes behind, and Viktor Hovland of Norway in fourth place, three strokes behind at 11 under par.

Hideki Matsuyama, the defending champion, finished tied for 31st with five birdies and one bogey, but was 10 strokes behind the leader, making it difficult for him to win. Matsuyama said he needed a miracle to win again, commenting, “I don’t think I can win unless I get a score in the 50s, so I’ll do my best.” (c)AFP/Andrew MCKIRDY