Landry, Scheffler share lead in US PGA desert showdown

Americans Andrew Landry and Scottie Scheffler pulled away with birdie binges to share a four-stroke lead after Saturday's third round of US PGA American Express tournament.

Landry birdied six of his first eight holes on way to a seven-under 65 at PGA West Nicklaus course while Scheffler shot a bogey-free six-under 66 at PGA West Stadium course to finish on 21-under 195 after 54 holes.

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Early leads 

Compatriot Rickie Fowler, who shared a one-shot lead with Scheffler over Landry after 36 holes, was third on 199 after a 70 on stadium course to join co-leaders in Sunday's final group.

first three rounds were played on three different layouts in desert at La Quinta, California -- also including La Quinta Country Club. Sunday's last round will be played on Stadium layout where Scheffler shined, rolling in a six-foot birdie putt at second, a 14-footer at par-3 fourth and a seven-footer to birdie par-5 fifth. "It's a tough course," he said. "It's a good tract and a good test." Scheffler birdied par-5 11th n hit back-to-back birdies at 14th from 21 feet and at par-4 15th when his approach landed inches from cup.

w 23-year-old rookie from Dallas takes aim at his first PGA tile after two developmental tour wins last year. "Winning is pretty similar at all levels of game and I've done a good job of closing m out," said Scheffler. "It should be a fun day and hopefully a rewarding one." Landry, a 32-year-old Texan from Austin, made a sizzling start on back nine, added back-to-back birdies at fourth and fifth holes and took his lone bogey at par-3 eighth.

"I've been putting ball absolutely beautifully," Landry said.

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" wedges are re. putting is re. Just need to go out and do it again tomorrow." Landry's lone PGA title came at 2018 Texas Open. "You've got to really stay patient and keep playing and you never kw what can happen," Landry said. "I'm just going to go out tomorrow and have fun and see what happens."

Fowler had early setbacks with bogeys at par-3 fourth and par-4 seventh holes but sank a 23-foot birdie putt to close front nine, n sank birdie putts from inside seven feet at 12th, 14th and par-5 16th to stay in hunt. "A couple of mental errors cost me," Fowler said. "I struggled to get things going early.

"I did a good job of hanging around and t getting too far behind. I had to grind it out to put myself in position where I have a chance tomorrow to go after this." Fowler's most recent of five US PGA victories came at last year's Phoenix Open. Americans Ryan Moore and Chase Seiffert shared fourth on 200.

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