MAZATLAN, Mexico - Byron Smith fired a 6-under 66 Saturday to take a one-shot lead after three rounds of the Canadian Tour’s Corona Mazatlan Classic Mexican PGA Championship.
Seeking his first career victory -- and holding his first 54-hole lead -- Smith stands at 14-under 202 overall, close to the number he predicted would win this weekend.
That number was 16 under.
‘I had a number in mind at the beginning of the week and hopefully I can get there, and maybe a few better,’ said Smith. ‘It seems to be working so far.’
Scott Hawley fired a course-record, 9-under 63 to climb into second place at 13-under 203 -- one day after he shot a 75 in the second round.
Mexico’s Jose Trauwitz (68) was two shots further back in third place.
In all, there are nine players within five shots of Smith’s lead at El Cid Golf & Country Club.
Among the highlights of Smith’s round was a downwind seven-iron he knocked within 12 feet at the par-5 seventh to set up an eagle. It was one of the shots that helped Smith become the only one of three 36-hole leaders who remained on top Saturday.
‘As confident as you may be, you never know how you are going to react until you get there,’ he said. ‘I was happy I didn’t give anything back. Hopefully I’ve got one more in me.’
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