Bubba's Looking To Cap Off Wild Week, But Eight Within Two

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He was off to the Clippers-Warrior game but Bubba Watson did take a few minutes for his usual fun, fictional and fantastic rundown of round three from Riviera. My recap here for GolfDigest.com.

The 2014 Champion here holds a one stroke lead, as eleven players are within three strokes, including Dustin Johnson, Rory McIlroy, Adam Scott and Hideki Matsyuama.

This is the 10th time Watson has held at least a share of a 54-hole lead, but he's only gone on to win twice in those previous nine opportunities.

A win would be fitting on the 90th anniversary, however, as champions in recent years have often come in pairs including Fred Couples (1990, 1992), Corey Pavin (1994, 1995), Mike Weir (2003, 2004), Phil Mickelson (2008, 2009).

Your top 11 where the winner should come from, theoretically:

Bubba Watson               66-68-67--201 (-12)
Jason Kokrak                 68-64-70--202 (-11)
Chez Reavie                  66-67-69--202 (-11)
Dustin Johnson              68-66-68--202 (-11)
Kevin Chappell              68-69-66--203 (-10)
K.J. Choi                       69-67-67--203 (-10)
Rory McIlroy                  67-69-67--203 (-10)
Adam Scott                   68-68-67--203 (-10)
Mark Leishman              68-67-68--203 (-10)
Hideki Matsuyama         69-67-68--204 (-9)
Troy Merritt                  68-66-70--204 (-9)

Bubba's fine up-and-down on 18:

McIlroy continues his strong play around a course he had not seen before, as Helen Ross writes. More impressive is his attention to detail in strategizing his way around. From his post-round chat with us scribblers:

The 10th hole, both JP and I were sort of looking at a couple of different ways to play it. Where the pin is tomorrow, you can try to go straight at that pin and leave it in that bunker, but that's a pretty risky play, or you take it left.

But it's a very -- this is probably one of the only courses that I look at the pin position before I even hit my tee shot, you know, because I really want to know where the pin is and where is a good angle and before is the best leave of my second shot.

There's only a few -- there's only a few courses like that we play each year that I do that. It's enjoyable. It's great to be able to do that and be so strategic, but at the same time, know to be aggressive to your spots and maybe lay back a bit here and there it. It's a really well-designed golf course.

The fan scene on 18 was Sunday-sized and let out a tremendous roar after Rory's made putt.

My picture of his reaction:


And the big crowd scene as Rory plays it cool, but you know the heart is pumping hard that kind of rush: 

 And the video Snapchat style, which gets the fan view but not quite the volume:

Adam Scott expressed confidence after the round, suggesting the start for him and the 10th will be big keys Sunday.

Again, I think the golf course, guys are so excited to play, they want to, if you need more incentive to win a golf tournament, then maybe winning at a place like this is something that drives everyone, drives the top guys.

You've covered all the stories; Rory is inspired to get back to No. 1. Everyone has something we are playing for other than just to win. We all know how big a deal it would be to win here at Riviera.

Q. Rory was just in here and said he was peeking at the pin position on 10 for tomorrow. Do you do that --

ADAM SCOTT: I'm assuming it's back in the right area. Yeah, there's just nothing that you can guarantee. The thing with the 10th hole is one of your first two shots on that hole has to be a great shot. That's how you make a four or a three. That's it. There's no, you know, average shots. Especially probably tomorrow with that pin back there.

He offered this pearl related to the short par-4 10th.

The thing with the 10th hole is one of your first two shots on that hole has to be a great shot. That's how you make a four or a three. That's it. There's no, you know, average shots. Especially probably tomorrow with that pin back there.

The green being soft helps a little but not that much. I mean, it's such a small green. So that's just the facts on the 10th hole. You're going to have to hit a great shot on your first two.

Scott also clarified his fashion statement(s) Saturday following his 67: the always immaculately-presented Aussie forgot to put on a belt, but the Uniqlo pants are an intentional fashion statement and available for "$39.90 at the Third Street Promenade Store" and of course, at Uniqlo.com.

And the stellar scene at 18 green Saturday, with a tip of the cap to Johnnie-O, The English Beat and Mother Nature for bringing in more fans.

Third round highlights from the PGA Tour: