Burmester finishes long day at PGA Championship within 4 shots of leaders heading into final round

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — Dean Burmester had to handle some unfinished business before making his case for the PGA Championship.

The South African began Saturday having to complete two holes of the darkness-suspended second round at Valhalla. Morning fog pushed the start back even further, but Burmester shook it all off and made eagle on the par-5 18th to cap a 6-under 65 that put him into contention heading into the third round.

He had five more birdies — along with two bogeys — on a slightly drier course and finished three rounds at 11-under 202, alone in ninth place and within four shots of Collin Morikawa and Xander Schauffele entering Sunday’s final round. Burmester left without talking to reporters, but was pretty encouraged after finally finishing his morning session.

“This is probably the best position I’ve been in going into the week for sure,” Burmester said. “So, it’s nice to have a chance.”