Eight birdies give Rickie Fowler third-round lead at Phoenix Open

Rickie Fowler had the lead heading into the final round at the Phoenix Open last year, only to see the title slip through his grip for a second time. He will have a big cushion in his latest bid to win the championship following a stellar display of golf Saturday.

Fowler had eight birdies in a 7-under-par 64 at TPC Scottsdale to take a four-shot lead over Matt Kuchar into the final round.

Fowler opened with four birdies in six holes and navigated a difficult two-putt on the par-4 18th hole to reach 20-under 193.

“This one is definitely high on the list, another being Torrey Pines,” Fowler said. “I would say between here and there, those would be the two highest on the list other than a major.