SPORTS

Thomas stretches lead to 7 at the Sony Open

Associated Press
Published | Updated

Justin Thomas drives off the fourth tee during the third round of the Sony Open golf tournament, Saturday, Jan. 14, 2017, in Honolulu. (AP Photo/Marco Garcia) (The Associated Press)

Justin Thomas reacts to his putt on the first green during the third round of the Sony Open golf tournament, Saturday, Jan. 14, 2017, in Honolulu. (AP Photo/Marco Garcia) (The Associated Press)

Justin Thomas drives off the first tee during the third round of the Sony Open golf tournament, Saturday, Jan. 14, 2017, in Honolulu. (AP Photo/Marco Garcia) (The Associated Press)

Justin Thomas made a 15-foot birdie putt on his final hole to tie the 54-hole record on the PGA Tour and build a seven-shot lead Saturday at the Sony Open.

Thomas got into the record with an eagle on his last hole in each of the previous two rounds — a 59 on Thursday, and the 36-hole scoring record Friday. This time, his second shot into the par-5 18th clipped a palm frond and came up well short in the fairway.

He poured in the birdie putt for a 5-under 65 and stretched his lead to seven over Zach Johnson, who kept pace with a 65.

Waialae has been so vulnerable with no wind that Kevin Kisner missed a 9-foot eagle putt that would have given him 59.