Tournament of Champions: Jon Rahm rides on a “bird train” to force a draw to the top of the leaderboard | Golf news

Jon Rahm and Cameron Smith share the lead at the Tournament of Champions in Kapalua, Hawaii; the Spanish star of your card 12 under par 61 in the third round to join Smith at the top of the Leaderboard; see the decision live on Sky Sports Golf on Sunday from 6.30pm

Jon Rahm hit a hot series in the last 12 holes and attacked the controversy

Jon Rahm shot 12 under par 61 on Saturday to reach the top of the leaderboard with Cameron Smith and on his way to the final day of the Tournament of Champions in Kapalua, Hawaii.

Rahm achieved the best result of his career and broke the track record set by Justin Thomas earlier in the day. Rahm was one after less than six holes before shooting 11 under the pair in the last 12 holes.

“You get on a bird train,” Rahm said, “and things like that can happen.”

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Rahm is in a draw with Smith in the final round

A great performance was just enough to force a draw with Smith, who came in for the day with three strokes. Smith shot nine under par 64 for the second day in a row after shooting eight under par 65 in the opening round.

Rahm praised Smith and said he believed both golfers were pushing each other for their best performance in Round 3.

“We had a fun fight today and I think there will be more of a similar one tomorrow,” Rahm added. “We need a lot of birdie to get ahead and make a profit.”

Get on the bird train and things like this can happen.

Jon Rahm made his move in the third round

Both Smith and Rahm are under 26 in the first three rounds of the pair. They have a five-stroke pillow above Daniel Berger who sits alone in third place at the age of 21.

Cameron Smith and Rahm are off their necks

Next up is a triple draw in fourth place between Matt Jones, Sungjae Im and Patrick Cantlay, all under the age of 20. Jones rose to the leaderboard by shooting 11-under 62 on Saturday.

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Justin Thomas set a new track record for 12-year-olds under 61 – he would have to share that achievement, as just over two hours later Rahm reached 61.

Smith said he enjoyed the race as he waited to win the tournament.

“It was really fun there today,” Smith said. “Apparently playing great golf helps. But watching Joni was pretty intense in that back ninth, one of the best golf I’ve ever seen, definitely one of the best falls.

“So, yeah, one more day. Hopefully we can do the same tomorrow and see what happens.”

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