Round 3: HP Byron Nelson Championship

Mark Hensby wore a blue Masters cap during Saturday’s third round. He wore a shirt that he had to pay for himself. And he used, in his words, a “no-name bag” for his clubs.

You see, the Australian doesn’t have a clothing sponsor. He’s been out of the limelight for awhile, ever since a car crash four years ago resulted in a nagging foot injury that started a downward slide to a once-promising career. Another injury and some struggles with the putter have made it difficult to get back into form, not to mention getting endorsement deals.

But thanks to a 6-under 64 in Saturday’s third round of the HP Byron Nelson Championship, Hensby has put himself in prime contention to win for the first time on TOUR since claiming the John Deere Classic in 2004. He’s currently the clubhouse leader at 7 under, and with the winds making for difficult scoring conditions for the leaders, he should have one of the late tee times on Sunday.

Not bad for a guy who just a few days ago was back home in Arizona, having decided not to play this week’s Nationwide Tour event in North Carolina, hoping instead to get into this event as an alternate. When Marco Dawson, another alternate, opted to play the Nationwide Tour event and Scott McCarron withdrew, Hensby was in. He jumped on a plane Wednesday morning and headed to Dallas.

Now he’s shot himself up the leaderboard — despite some poor ball-striking. He’s hit just eight of 28 fairways and just 20 of 36 greens in regulation in the last two rounds.

“I haven’t struck the ball well at all the last three days,” Hensby said, “but the short game has been good. Hopefully I can find some fairways and greens and get a chance.”

On Saturday, Hensby found himself 7 under on his round through 15 holes and wondering if he could get to 9 under and tie the course record that Cameron Beckman tied on Friday.

But the course conditions made it tougher down the stretch, and Hensby bogeyed two of the last four holes. He did manage to sandwich in a birdie at the 17th when he holed out from the rough when his ball hit the pin and dropped in.

It’s the short game that has saved him this week.

“It’s not only am I hitting good shots, but I’m getting good breaks at the same time,” Hensby said. “I didn’t hit many greens today or many fairways, but it’s not all that bad.”

One thing Hensby knows he won’t do tomorrow is wear the same blue Masters cap he wore Saturday — even though it came with a 64 Saturday.

“The way I hit today,” he said, “I’m going to change for sure.” — Mike McAllister

To replay Hensby’s round on Shot Tracker, click here.