SASKATOON — Nick Taylor fired a 5-under 67 to take a one-shot lead heading into the final round at the PGA Tour of Canada’s Dakota Dunes Open on Saturday.
Taylor, from Abbotsford, B.C., sunk four birdies in the final six holes including the 18th to give him the edge over South Africa’s Jaco Ahlers at 19 under.
“I thought I hit it really well today,” said Taylor, who finished in a tie for fourth at the Times Colonist Island Savings Open in June. “I hit a lot of good shots on the back nine and made some putts, too. I’m excited for tomorrow.”
Play was delayed four hours by thunderstorms. Taylor didn’t tee off until 5 p.m., but said the rush to try to finish before dark helped get him in a rhythm.
“We were just trying to finish,” said Taylor. “I knew teeing off at five we had a chance, and once we made the turn we started flying. I think that helped (playing partner Matt Hoffman) and I, I started to make some putts and it helped me get in a bit of a groove.”
Ahlers lost the lead but stayed in contention with a 70. He’s three strokes ahead of a four-way tie for third place shared by Dan Buchner, John Ellis, Wil Collins and Doug McGuigan.
