It's a tie at the top in PGA Professional Championship at Bandon Dunes
Austin Hurt, Charlie Beljan enter the final round in share of the lead on the breezy seaside golf course in Oregon.
BANDON, Ore. – Nothing came easy on Tuesday afternoon in strong winds at Bandon Dunes Golf Resort, but Austin Hurt hung onto a share of the lead in the PGA Professional Championship. The head professional at Wing Point Golf & Country Club in Washington, Hurt had led the tournament each day since opening in 8-under 64 on the resort’s Bandon Dunes course Sunday.
Hurt shot 5-over 77 in the third round as strong breezes pummeled players, affecting every shot including putts. He was tied at 3-under overall with Charlie Beljan, winner of the 2012 Children's Miracle Network Hospitals Classic on the PGA Tour who now teaches at Torreon Golf Club in Arizona. Beljan managed a 2-over 74 in the third round at Bandon Dunes.
“It was very hard all the way around,” Hurt said. “It started hard, and I faced adversity super early and tried to weather that through five holes. It was going bad and I really tried to keep my head on my shoulders and, I'll say it again, take it one shot at a time.
I've really been focusing on that all week. I was able to get through today even though it was a 77. It felt like one of the harder fought rounds that I've ever played.