Two-time Masters champion Bubba Watson has edged into the outright lead ahead of the final round of the International Series Morocco. The forty-seven-year-old American carded a four-under-par 69 on the challenging Red Course at Royal Golf Dar Es Salam, positioning himself perfectly to claim his first professional victory since the summer of 2018. The LIV Golf captain relied on exceptional iron play, hitting fifteen greens in regulation to establish a narrow one-shot advantage in the US$2 million tournament.
Watson appeared to be cruising through his third round, registering five birdies across his opening thirteen holes to build a commanding lead. However, his momentum briefly stalled during the closing stretch, as he suffered unexpected consecutive bogeys on the fourteenth and fifteenth holes following a costly three-putt. Displaying characteristic resilience, the veteran quickly steadied the ship, recovering a crucial stroke with a birdie on the drivable par-four seventeenth to ensure he sleeps on the tournament lead.
Breathing down his neck are Thailand’s Jazz Janewattananond and Hong Kong’s Taichi Kho, who share second place just one stroke adrift. The pair experienced vastly different fortunes over their final holes. Janewattananond, the 2022 tournament champion, surged into contention with a spectacular birdie-eagle finish to sign for a 67. Conversely, Kho managed to salvage a 68 despite a late scare, brilliantly scrambling for par on the seventeenth hole after sending his tee shot into a water hazard.
Further down the leaderboard, Japan’s Takanori Konishi delivered a flawless, bogey-free 66 to vault into a tie for fourth place alongside Thailand’s Pavit Tangkamolprasert, who carded a 72 to sit at twelve-under overall. Meanwhile, local supporters had plenty to cheer about as Mehdi El Fakori, the sole Moroccan competitor to make the cut, recorded his second consecutive round of 70. El Fakori’s solid performance moves him into a tie for thirty-third place as the prestigious Asian Tour event prepares for a thrilling Sunday conclusion.
