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That leaves Woods pursuing an interesting group. There's Immelman, a South African who is an outstanding iron player but whose putting has traditionally been suspect. Except this week, when he's made just about everything. Immelman hadn't made much happen all day until he spun a wedge to within a foot at the 13th and made birdie. He hit it close for two more birdies at 14 and 18, a cushion he may well need on Sunday.
Immelman, who won the 2006 Western Open and owns three European Tour victories, is in uncharted territory going into Sunday's finale. "All I can ask for myself is to go out there and play as hard as I can and believe in myself and hope for the best," he said.
If Tiger had the biggest roar, Immelman had the most agonizing shot of the day, though it ended well for him. He spun his approach shot at the par-5 15th hole off the front of the green and watched it trickle down the bank toward the pond. Remarkably, the ball stopped halfway down the slope. He carefully pitched it to five feet and holed the putt to save his par — and keep Woods another shot at bay.
"I was begging for it to stop," Immelman admitted. "I knew there was a chance it was going to go in the water. I must say, I couldn't quite believe it when it stayed up."
Snedeker endured a roller-coaster round. He had taken the lead on the front nine, having gotten to nine under par, then made three bogeys in a row starting at the 11th hole. He recovered those strokes with birdies at 14, 15 and 18.
He is well aware of the most dangerous player behind him on the leaderboard. "I'm sure Tiger is going to be a factor," Snedeker said. "His name is going to be on the board tomorrow. It's going to be there on the back nine. As good as he's playing right now, and he played a hell of a round today, that does not bode well for us if we think we're going to shoot one or two under and win this tournament."
As for Flesch and Casey, they're almost opposites. Casey is a young gun who plays a power game. Flesch, 40, has never really contended in a major in his career. He's not a long hitter, but he's been able to keep up with the leaders because of a career week with the driver. He's streaky, as is Casey, and when he's on with his irons and his putter, he's dangerous. That's why he's won four PGA Tour events, including the Colonial. Casey, 30, is an eight-time winner in Europe.
A major would be a crowning achievement for either of them. It would be unexpected for Flesch, possibly overdue for Casey.
"The major championships revolve around the world rankings and guys like Tiger and Phil," Flesch said. "Let's be honest, I'm not contending in a lot of majors. I haven't even been to the Masters for three years. I don't know how many times I'll be back here. I've got nothing to lose and I'm having a ball."
Only five players are within seven shots of the lead. The fifth is Stewart Cink, who shot 71 and is seven shots back.
"One of those top three guys is going to play good golf tomorrow," Casey said. "Has to happen. It's probably going to be Trevor, the way he's been playing. He's going to be the guy to catch."
It's going to be an interesting Sunday.
