Koepka takes 1-shot lead into back 9 at PGA Championship

PITTSFORD, N.Y. (AP) — Brooks Koepka is nine holes away from his third PGA Championship.

Koepka reached the turn at Oak Hill with a one-shot lead over Viktor Hovland following a somewhat uneven front nine. Koepka reeled off three straight birdies to open a three-shot advantage before consecutive bogeys at Nos. 6 and 7 allowed Hovland to get back within striking distance.

The 25-year-old Hovland is trying to become the first men's major champion from Norway.

World No. 2 Scottie Scheffler and 2020 U.S. Open champion Bryson DeChambeau are three shots back as they head into the later stages of what been a taut week on the East Course.

Koepka is seeking his fifth major and first since capturing the 2019 PGA at Bethpage Black. He blew a two-shot lead in the final round at Augusta National in April, a collapse he likened to “choking.”

Several of the top players in the field have put together a Sunday charge at an Oak Hill course softened by steady rain during the third round.

Sepp Straka and Cameron Smith both posted 5-under 65s to get under par for the tournament. Eighteen players have already carded rounds of 1-under 69 or better with most of the frontrunners still out on the course. Only seven players broke par during the soggy third round.