Dustin Johnson fired a bogey-free 7-under 64 in the third round of the Genesis Open to move into contention at Riviera Country Club.
On Friday, the World No. 1-ranked player, and the tournament’s defending champion, appeared headed for an early exit after turning at 3-over par.
But the 33-year old South Carolinian made two birdies coming home to post a second-round 69 and sneak in under the cut at 1-over par.
On Saturday, Johnson was once again missing from the early storylines, and turned at just 1-under 35 to reach level-par for the tournament. An eagle on the par-5 first hole (his 10th) got some notice, but when it was followed by four birdies over a five-hole stretch (Nos. 3-7), the L.A. golf fans went into a frenzy.
Pars on the final two holes saw Johnson sign for a tournament-low 64.
Through 54 holes, the defending champion is at 6-under par, and just three shots back of leader Bubba Watson.
TALE OF TWO 27-HOLE STRETCHES
Dustin Johnson, first 27 holes: 3-over
Dustin Johnson, next 27 holes: 9-under— Jason Sobel (@JasonSobelTAN) February 17, 2018
First 27: 3-over (Holes 1-18, 10-18)
Last 27: 9-under par (Holes 1-9, 1-18)
Credits: Getty Images, Jason Sobel Twitter
