Nico Echavarria, a rookie on the PGA Tour, has played 11 events so far this season. He made it to the final three times, including this week.
He could lift a trophy on Sunday.
Echavarria shot a 6-under-30 front nine at Grand Reserve Golf Club, Rio Grande, Puerto Rico to lead by two shots heading into the final round. This alternate-field event to Arnold Palmer Invitational, the Puerto Rico Open, was Echavarria’s first round. Echavarria shot 7 under 65 on moving day in order to jump Carson Young, the 36- and 18-hole leader. He is now at 17 under with one round remaining.
Echavarria stated, “Yeah it was a dream begin.” “I found something yesterday on the range, and even though I was nervous on some holes today, I kept my game plan and the feeling of what I saw on the range in mind. It worked really well. Happy with my game, happy with the shots that I hit under pressure. We can do it tomorrow.
Young, a Tour rookie, shot a 1-under-71 on moving day, which was his worst round by four shots. He’ll still be looking for his first PGA Tour win in the final pairing.
Sam Stevens’ 7-under performance was matched by Echavarria’s and he is currently tied for third at 13 under. Nate Lashley shot 5 under Saturday and is currently at 13 under. Harry Hall and Akshay Bhattia are tied for fifth at 12 over
Echavarria’s round started quickly as he par-5 second. Nos. 4-7 were followed by birdies. He added four birdies on Nos. 4-7 and two more on the back nine.
The Puerto Rico Open winner will receive 300 FedEx Cup Points and $684,000.
