Harold Varner III holds solo lead heading into final day of Saudi International

JEDDAH: A closing birdie gave Harold Varner III a one-shot lead heading into the final day of the 2022 Public Investment Fund Saudi International powered by SoftBank Investment Advisers.

The American set himself up with an eagle opportunity after a near-perfect approach on the 18th hole at Royal Greens Golf and Country Club.

His 15-footer rolled by before he tapped home for a third-round 68 (-12 total) and a single shot 54-hole advantage over Spain’s Adri Arnaus.

The pair will close out tomorrow’s Sunday groups at the $5 million flagship Asian Tour event alongside England’s Tommy Fleetwood (-10). Australian pair Cameron Smith (-8) and Wade Ormsby (-7) lead the chasing pack, alongside Saudi International champion Dustin Johnson and Japan’s Ryosuke Kinoshita, both also on 7-under-par.

“I’m just hanging in there,” said Varner III. “I did a good job of slowing down and doing my job. I love competing. I mean, the greatest thing in life is competing and just working at it.”

The third day of the event was yet another wind-battered affair, with the blustery conditions expected to continue throughout Sunday’s final round.

Asked about the Red Sea breeze, Varner III said: “I enjoy the challenge. I think it’s awesome. That’s what it's all about. Life’s hard; this is easy!”

The highlight of the Ohio native’s round was an eagle three on the par-5 fourth hole.

“I hit a really good drive and you’re just trying to make birdie — and I lucked up and hit the pin,” he added. “I don't think it was going too fast, but I’ll take them wherever they come!”

Spain’s Arnaus followed rounds of 64 and 66 with a 1-under-par 69, leaving him one-off his playing partner heading into the final round.

Arnaus, a Golf Saudi ambassador, said: “I