ESPN Golf: Si Woo Kim Hangs On to Lead at Byron Nelson Despite Squandering Historic Cushion

Kim's Lead Shrinks but Survives at Byron Nelson

Si Woo Kim fired a 3-under 68 in the third round of the CJ Cup Byron Nelson, holding on to a two-shot lead heading into Sunday at 21-under par. It was a far cry from the dominant five-shot cushion he carried after his stunning second-round 60.

The Lead Evaporates — Then Returns

Kim's advantage vanished by the 11th hole, where three bogeys in a four-hole stretch — all on putts inside 10 feet — dropped him into a tie with Wyndham Clark. Clark had earlier pulled within striking distance with an eagle on the par-5 ninth.

Kim answered with birdies on holes 14 and 15 to reclaim the lead, finishing two clear of world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler and Wyndham Clark, who both shot matching 65s.

Sunday's Contenders

- Scheffler overcame his first bogey of the tournament with three birdies on the back nine. The defending champion is chasing his 21st PGA Tour title. - Clark showed resilience despite a mid-round nosebleed, targeting his first victory since Pebble Beach in 2024. - Sungjae Im (67) sits four back alongside Stephan Jaeger (64) and Tom Hoge (66). - Brooks Koepka (66) is also in contention at 17-under, seeking his first win since rejoining the PGA Tour from LIV Golf.

Strokeslab's Take

Kim's three-putt collapses inside 10 feet are a textbook SG: Putting pressure scenario — the final round will hinge on whether he can stabilize his short game when the stakes are highest.