DUNES BEACH AND GOLF CLUB: Carson Young overcame the soggy conditions at the Myrtle Beach Classic to card a seven-under 64 and storm to the top of the leaderboard, Saturday. Young (-13), a former Clemson Tiger, was especially good at the tail end of his round, playing the final six holes at four-under-par. The highlight of Young’s third round was a chip-in just feet from the cart path for eagle at the par-5 15th.
Young, seeking his first Tour victory, continues to excel off the tee, leading the tournament in driving accuracy heading into Sunday’s final round. Harry Higgs is in second place, just a stroke back of Young.
Video of Carson Young’s chip-in for eagle at no. 15
Trace Crowe (Easley, Hilton Head Christian Academy) was under par for the third straight day and sits tied for 24th after a third-round 70 has him at -6 for the tournament. Bill Haas (E) lost his way on the final two holes, Saturday, taking a double bogey at the par-3 17th and a bogey at the finishing hole for the second straight day.
The two amateurs making their Tour debuts, USC’s Nathan Franks and Clemson’s Jackson Byrd, again held their own. Byrd (T49) also bogeyed the 18th to finish at +1 for day and -2 for the tournament. Franks (T31) finished at even par and is -5 for the tournament.
Franks got a special surprise, Saturday, as his sister and mother held a special graduation ceremony for him following his round. Franks wasn’t able to attend his USC graduation ceremony as it conflicted with third-round play, so he was presented with his cap, gown and diploma at his post-round press conference.
Myrtle Beach Classic Leaderboard
Final round tee times
Nathan Franks 9:55 a.m. (no. 10)
Trace Crowe 10:28 a.m. (no. 1)
Jackson Byrd 10:39 a.m. (no. 10)
Bill Haas 11:23 a.m. (no. 10)
Carson Young 11:56 a.m. (no. 1)