Kuchar stumbles late, loses Humana Challenge lead

Ryan-Palmer;-PGA-Tour

After opening with two pars, Ryan Palmer had two eagles and seven birdies on the next nine holes for the longest eagle-birdie streak in PGA Tour history. (Chris Carlson/AP)

LA QUINTA, Calif. — Matt Kuchar stumbled late in the third round of the Humana Challenge, handing the lead to Erik Compton, Bill Haas, Justin Thomas and Michael Putnam.

Two strokes ahead after a birdie on the par-5 14th, Kuchar bogeyed three of the final four holes Saturday for an even-par 71 on PGA West’s Arnold Palmer Private Course.

Two-time heart transplant recipient Compton shot a 67 on the Jack Nicklaus Private Course to join Haas, Thomas and Putnam at 17-under 199. Haas, the 2010 winner, had a 69 on the Nicklaus layout. Thomas shot 68 on the Palmer course, and Putnam had a 69 at La Quinta Country Club.

Kuchar was a stroke back along with Ryan Palmer, Scott Pinckney and Steve Wheatcroft.

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