SHANGHAI (AP) – Graeme McDowell relied on a hot putter Friday for another 5-under 67 to build a three-shot lead in the HSBC Champions.
McDowell played bogey-free on Sheshan International, picking up two early birdies to seize control and consecutive birdies on the back nine to stretch his lead.
He was at 10-under 134.
Ian Poulter showed signs of stopping his slide in the world ranking. He birdied four of the last five holes for a 67 and was three shots behind. Bubba Watson was even better. The Masters champion birdied his last five holes, twice chipping in from off the green. He had a 67 and was four off the lead.
McDowell and Poulter were in the final group at the HSBC Champions a year ago, won by Dustin Johnson.