Unheralded Matt Every recovered from a poor start in the third round of the Sony Open to join Jeff Maggert in a tie for the lead.
Every took a two shot lead into the third round, but was actually one shot behind Maggert with two holes to play as the day drew to a close. Every birdied the par-5 last for a 2-under 68 and his share of the lead.
Maggert, on the other hand, had no such problems firing a flawless 64 in pursuit of his fourth PGA Tour victory and his first since the 2006 St Jude Classic.
"I just got off to a shaky start," Every said. "Could have gone the wrong way fast but I was pretty proud of myself the way I hung in there.
"Two under is nothing to be ashamed about on this course, especially on Saturday. So, I'm happy with it and really looking forward to having a chance to win tomorrow."
Burly Brendon de Jonge of Zimbabwe birdied the last two holes for a 67 to share third place at 10-under with Americans Johnson Wagner and Charles Howell III, who carded matching 66s.
Maggert was delighted with his timely rise up the leaderboard after recording four birdies and an eagle at the par-five ninth in surprisingly calm conditions on the shores of Waikiki.
"My game's been pretty good this week," he said. "My short game's been solid and my putting's been very good."
| Player | Score |
|---|---|
| Jeff Maggert | -12 |
| Matt Every | -12 |
| Johnson Wagner | -10 |
| Charles Howell III | -10 |
| Brendon de Jonge | -10 |
| DA Points | -9 |
| Duffy Waldorf | -9 |
| Scott Piercy | -8 |
| Ted Potter Jr. | -8 |
| Bae Sang Moon | -8 |
