INZAI, JAPAN – OCTOBER 27: Tiger Woods of the United States celebrates the birdie on the 4th green during the third round of the Zozo Championship at Accordia Golf Narashino Country Club on October 27, 2019, in Inzai, Chiba, Japan. (Photo by Chung Sung-Jun/Getty Images)

By John Strege
Tiger Woods continued to belie the fact he is playing for the first time in nine weeks by expanding his lead to three through 54 holes of the Zozo Championship at Narashino Country Club in Chiba, Japan.

Woods, who began the third round two ahead of Gary Woodland, shot a four-under par 66 in the third round on Sunday. He bogeyed the first hole, made six birdies and a bogey over the final 17 holes.

With 18 holes remaining, Woods was at 16-under par 194, three ahead of Japanese star Hideki Matsuyama, who shot a five-under 65. Woodland shot a two-under 68 and trails by four. Woods has led by three through 54 holes on 24 previous occasions and won them all.

Woods is pursuing his 82nd PGA Tour victory to tie Sam Snead for the all-time lead.

The final round began shortly after completion of the third round, though it won’t be completed until Monday morning, Japan time.