North Carolina State University Athletics
Pettersson 2 shots from lead at Wyndham
8/20/2011 12:00:00 AM | Men's Golf
Aug. 20, 2011
Scorecard | Quotes
GREENSBORO, N.C. - 2008 champion and former NC State all-american Carl Pettersson is back in contention at the Wyndham Championship after shooting a 7-under 63 during Saturday's third round at Sedgefield Country Club.
Pettersson didn't miss a fairway and fired a bogey-free 63 that included five birdies and one eagle. He was 12-under and one shot off the lead when he finished shortly after the leaders teed off.
He recorded the lowest round of the day and moved up 32 spots on the leader board after beginning the day at 5-under.
"I think the golf course is quite a bit tougher than in years past," said Petterson, who won the 2008 Wyndham Championship. "I was disappointed with shooting even (Friday) but thrilled with 63 today. It's nice, I've put myself back in the tournament. I don't know what's going to happen today. I've done my bit and I probably got to shoot a low one tomorrow again."
Pettersson, who shot a 61 in the second round the year he won at Sedgefield, said the key this week is hitting fairways. He only hit six on Friday but managed all 14 in the third round. He also wielded a hot putter with just 25 putts.
"If you put it in play, there's a ton of birdies," he said. "The golf course is in great shape. The greens are good. Hot. The ball is going a million miles. You just get it in play, you still got to make a putt. That's what I managed to do today."
Pettersson was born in Sweden but attended Grimsley High School in Greensboro after his father, who works with Volvo, was transferred to North Carolina.
"I was home last night," Pettersson said. "Played with my kids and, yeah, I'll do the same thing tonight, just hang out, be home and drive up here tomorrow morning."
He held the lead for most of the day until 36-hole leader Tommy Gainey inched one shot in front as he played in the final group.
Raleigh native Webb Simpson caught fire in the late stages of his round. Playing alongside Gainey in Saturday's final group, Simpson played holes 13-17 at 6-under par that moved him to 15-under for the tournament and two shots in front of Gainey heading into Sunday's final round.
Pettersson will be in the second to last group Sunday alongside American John Mallinger, three shots behind Simpson.
