JACKSONVILLE, Fla.
Rocco Mediate, now 61, still loves golf and competing as much as he did when he won his first PGA Tour title at age 27. To share the lead in the Constellation Furyk & Friends with Bob Estes, Mediate posted a 66 at the Timuquana Country Club, both at 11-under 133.
Mediate has shown remarkable consistency throughout his career, winning a total of 10 PGA Tour and PGA Tour Champions titles during his 20s, 30s, 40s, and 50s. He now has the opportunity to add a trophy for his 60s, which would be quite an accomplishment.
Through 36 holes, Mediate has made playing golf look easy. Shooting a 4-under on the front nine to take the lead, Mediate holed a bunker shot for birdie at the par-4 ninth hole. Despite a bogey at No. 10, he bounced back with birdies at Nos. 11, 12, and 15, and two crucial par saves at Nos. 16 and 18.
On the other hand, Estes made his move on the back nine, going 5 under during a five-hole stretch that started with a spectacular 60-degree wedge hole from 87 yards at the par-4 12th hole.
World Golf Hall of Fame member Vijay Singh and Mario Tiziani are tied at 8 under, three shots behind Mediate and Estes. Singh had an impressive ball-striking day, missing only two fairways and two greens, highlighting his strengths as the tournament heads into its final moments.
Heading into the final day, Mediate, Estes, and Singh are all in search of a victory that has eluded each of them recently. Mediate’s setup changes have brought about newfound confidence, while Singh seems to have refocused his mental game. Estes, hungry for a win, is performing well and leading for the first time in years.
As the field continues to score low, the final round promises to be an exciting competition with numerous players in contention for the title.
