Local Golfers Thriving on PGA Tour

LOS ANGELES — Phil Mickelson hit into the trees and through the trees, and even hit one shot into a spectator’s shorts. He still managed to stay atop the leaderboard Saturday in the Northern Trust Open. Former Spring Valley stand-out Jonathan Byrd shot a 2-under 69 which puts him at 6-under overall and one stroke behind Mickelson and Keegan Bradley heading into tomorrow’s final round. Dutch Fork product and Irmo native Dustin Johnson struggled at times in the third round with three bogeys. But managed seven birdies and shot a 4-under Saturday and is overall at 5-under, just two strokes behind the co-leaders. Mickelson scrambled his way to a 1-under 70 and was tied for the lead with PGA champion Keegan Bradley, who took only five putts over the last five holes and shot 66. — The Associated Press contributed to this report —