PGA Championship Update

Scheffler Takes the Lead

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — A PGA Championship missing star power got the best in golf Saturday when Scottie Scheffler delivered a clinic over the closing stretch at Quail Hollow for a 6-under 65 and a three-shot lead going into the final round.

Scheffler started his big run with a 3-wood to just inside 3 feet on the reachable par-4 14th for an eagle, causing so much hysteria that Bryson DeChambeau had to back off his putt across the lake at the 17th.

It ended with an 8-iron from the seam of a divot to just inside 10 feet for birdie on the 18th, creating even more space between Scheffler and Alex Noren, who had a 66 and gets his first shot in a final group along the No. 1 player in the world.

DeChambeau’s Ups and Downs

DeChambeau, the U.S. Open champion who has been a major force at golf’s biggest events, briefly took the lead with a birdie on the par-5 15th. And then it all came undone.

He missed a 4-foot par putt on the 16th. He found the water on the par-3 17th — the cheer for Scheffler made him back off a 25-foot bogey putt that he eventually missed — and he had to scramble for par to salvage 69 that felt much better.

DeChambeau was three behind when he finished, six behind when Scheffler got done with his masterful performance by playing the final five holes in 5-under par.

The Road to the Final Round

The third round was delayed by morning storms, forcing a change in tee times to threesomes off both tees that didn’t start until shortly before noon. And then it became a game of musical chairs for the lead. Nine players had at least a share of the lead at one point.

One of them was two-time major champion Jon Rahm, who has not seriously contended in the four majors he has played since joining LIV Golf.

“Hard to express how hungry I may be for a major, about as hungry as anybody can be in this situation,” Rahm said. “Very happy to be in this position.”

Scheffler’s Confidence Boost

Scheffler, remarkably, posted the low score of any round in a major with his 65, which moved him to 11-under 202 as he goes for a third major.

The 3-wood on the 14th was what got it started. The up-and-down for birdie on the par-5 15th gave him the lead for the first time in the championship. Scheffler was equally pleased with the finish, wanting the proper conclusion to such an important round.

He holed an 18-foot birdie putt for one of only six birdies on the day at the 17th, and then finished it off with a closing birdie, each with a slight show of emotion.

Other Contenders

Masters champion Rory McIlroy and defending PGA champion Xander Schauffele had a long day, nothing to do with each posting a 72. They were supposed to tee off at 8:25 a.m. and likely would be finished in time for lunch.

With the change to threesomes of both tees, they didn’t start until 1:38 p.m. and were on the other side of Quail Hollow as all the action was on the closing stretch.

Davis Riley, whose game has been rounding into form since he battled a two-way miss at the start of the year, made three straight birdies around the turn and two more on the scorable 14th and 15th holes for a 67. He was at 7—under 206 along with North Carolina native J.T. Poston, who birdied his last hole for a 68.

Conclusion

Scheffler’s impressive performance has put him in a strong position to win his third major. DeChambeau and Rahm will need to make up ground if they want to catch up to Scheffler. The final round is sure to be exciting, with several players still in contention.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who is currently in the lead at the PGA Championship?

A: Scottie Scheffler is currently in the lead with a three-shot advantage.

Q: What was the turning point in Scheffler’s round?

A: The turning point in Scheffler’s round was his eagle on the 14th hole, which gave him momentum and put him in the lead.

Q: Who are some of the other contenders for the championship?

A: Some of the other contenders for the championship include Bryson DeChambeau, Jon Rahm, and Davis Riley.

Q: What is the forecast for the final round?

A: The forecast for the final round is not provided, but the players will need to be prepared for any conditions.