Bryson DeChambeau lets clubs do talking at TOC Southwind

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Bryson DeChambeau let his clubs do most of the talking Saturday at TPC Southwind.

DeChambeau shot a 7-under-par 63 to pull within two strokes of leader Harris English in the FedEx St. Jude Invitational, then declined to comment to most of the media following the round.

DeChambeau apparently was upset with several stories written about his refusal to take the covid-19 vaccine after he missed the Tokyo Olympics last week because of a positive test. He did agree to interviews with rights-holders CBS Sports and SiriusXM PGA Tour Radio.

English has led after each of the first three rounds in the World Golf Championships event, opening with a 62 and shooting two 65s to get to 18-under 192. He’s in position for the fifth PGA Tour victory and third of the season.

“I love playing with pressure,” English said. “I think it helps me focus. It’s a privilege to be in this spot. You have to take (challenges) on.”

The 2013 champion at TPC Southwind, English won the Sentry Tournament of Champions in January in Hawaii and the Travelers Championship in June in Connecticut. He finished third at the U.S. Open.

Cameron Smith had a 65 to join DeChambeau at 16-under.

Abraham Ancer (67) was 14-under. Scottie Scheffler (67) and Ian Poulter (67) were 13-under.

The long-hitting DeChambeau birdied four of the first five holes on the back nine. The third came at the par-4 13th after nearly holing out his approach. DeChambeau’s tap-in birdie took him to 14-under, one shot behind the leaders. He tied English and Ancer for the lead on the following hole, making a 10-footer to reach 15-under.

DeChambeau got to 16-under — to remain tied with English — with a short birdie putt on No. 16 after narrowly missing an eagle attempt from 11 feet. Ancer re-joined them with a 4-foot birdie, also at the 16th.

English created separation atop the leaderboard by birdieing two of the last three holes.

Second-ranked Dustin Johnson had a 65 to get to 11-under.

Masters champion Hideki Matsuyama shot a 64 to reach 9-under. He eagled Nos. 3 and 16, the two par 5s at TPC Southwind. Jordan Spieth was 7-under after a 63.