Memorial Tournament 2012: Rickie Fowler, Bo Van Pelt Move Up Leaderboard

The third round of the Memorial at Muirfield Village is underway and for the second straight day, the course is yielding little. The finals groups are finishing up on the range and about to begin their moving day rounds, but if the groups on the course are any indication, the one place to move is down. Despite morning rain that softened the greens, Muirfield was a bear on Friday in unseasonably cool conditions. There are only nine players with red numbers so far on Saturday.

Bo Van Pelt is 2-under through his first five holes, climbing into a tie for fifth place and just two shots back of leader Rory Sabbatini. The Oklahoman is constantly in contention, but has yet to break through with a signature win. He’s made noise in several majors but has not converted despite being one of the more consistent Americans on tour. Another uber-talented young American, Ryan Moore, has birdied two of his first six holes to move to 2-under for the Tournament, four shots back. Moore picked up a win in Greensboro three years ago, but a victory in Columbus would be the high-point of his golf career since dominating the Amateur circuit.

Rickie Fowler, who had his coming out party here as a rookie in 2010, also picked up a birdie at No. 4 and is now at 3-under.

In an indication of just how quick and tough the greens are playing today, Camilo Villegas carded a 10 at the last hole. He was just off the green in three, but took seven strokes to handle the nasty false front. Tiger Woods and his fellow competitors atop the leaderboard will have to hold the line, hoping to add a few red numbers and avoid a blow-up hole.

You can view the full Memorial leaderboard at Golf.com.

For updates on the 2012 Memorial Tournament, continue to check this StoryStream. For all news and information regarding the 2012 Memorial Tournament and all things PGA Tour, please visit SB Nation’s dedicated golf hub.