American Austin Smotherman has edged into a one-stroke lead midway through a testing third round at the Butterfield Bermuda Championship.
With blustery coastal breezes presenting demanding scoring conditions at Port Royal Golf Course, Smotherman reached the turn at 16 under par, holding a slender advantage over overnight co-leader Chandler Blanchet.
Blanchet, who shared the 36-hole clubhouse lead, remains hot on his compatriot’s heels at 15 under through seven holes as the leaders navigate the tricky front nine.
The chasing pack is tightly bunched right behind them. Former champion Seamus Power, who lifted the trophy in 2022, and Canada’s Ben Silverman sit two strokes off the pace at 14 under par through eight holes.
Both Power and Silverman will be looking to capitalise as the leaders head into the exposed back nine, where Port Royal’s signature cliffside stretches are expected to test the frontrunners in the closing stages of Saturday’s action.
