Xander Schauffele held onto his lead after the second round of the PGA Championship, shooting a 67 to finish with a one-stroke advantage over Collin Morikawa heading into the weekend.
Schauffele Maintains PGA Lead
Xander Schauffele shot a four-under 66 on Saturday to maintain his one-stroke lead over Collin Morikawa after three rounds of the PGA Championship.
Schauffele, who has never won a major, birdied four of his first six holes and added another on the 14th to reach 12 under for the tournament. He bogeyed the 17th but birdied the 18th to give himself a one-shot cushion heading into the final round. Morikawa, the reigning British Open champion, shot a five-under 65 to move into second place at 11 under. He birdied the first three holes and added another on the 7th to make the turn at four under. He bogeyed the 12th but birdied the 13th and 15th to move into contention.
Schauffele and Morikawa will be joined in the final group by Scottie Scheffler, who is two shots back at 10 under. Scheffler, the world No. 1, shot a three-under 67 on Saturday to move into third place. He birdied the 2nd, 4th, and 7th holes and added another on the 16th to move into contention.
Patrick Cantlay and Rory McIlroy are three shots back at nine under, while Justin Thomas is four shots back at eight under.
Schauffele is looking to become the first player since Tiger Woods in 2000 to win the PGA Championship after leading after 54 holes. He will need to play well on Sunday to hold off Morikawa and the rest of the field.
Morikawa Challenges Schauffele Closely
Collin Morikawa, the reigning Open Champion, is hot on the heels of Xander Schauffele after the third round of the PGA Championship. Morikawa fired a bogey-free 65 to move to 13 under, just one stroke behind Schauffele. It was a scintillating display of golf, in which Morikawa displayed all his class and determination to keep the pressure up.
Morikawa’s Adaptability On Full Display
Morikawa’s round was a masterclass in adaptability. Playing in gusting winds, he adjusted his game accordingly, hitting precise tee shots & carefully calculated approach shots. He also showed resilience by recovering brilliantly after a couple of wayward drives.
Schauffele Holds his ground
Schauffele, the overnight leader, responded well to Morikawa’s charge. The Olympic champion shot a solid 67, including four birdies, to maintain his lead. Schauffele played with great composure, displaying his hallmark accuracy and consistency.
A Thrilling Final Round in Prospect
With just one stroke separating the two leaders, the final round of the PGA Championship promises to be a thrilling affair. Both Morikawa and Schauffele are in excellent form, having played superbly throughout the tournament.
Morikawa: Stats of the Third Round
- Score: 65
- Birdies: 5
- Bogeys: 0
- Greens in Regulation: 13/18
Schauffele: Stats of the Third Round
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Score: 67
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Birdies: 4
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Bogeys: 1
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Greens in Regulation: 11/18
Hovland Falters, Drops Out of Contention
Viktor Hovland, the reigning FedEx Cup champion, entered the PGA Championship as one of the favorites. However, the Norwegian struggled in the second round, shooting a 73 to drop out of contention.
Hovland’s round was marred by a triple-bogey on the par-4 11th hole. He also had two bogeys and just one birdie on the day.
The disappointing performance is a setback for Hovland, who was looking to contend for his first major championship. He will now need to regroup and focus on finishing the tournament strong.
Hovland’s struggles opened the door for other players to move up the leaderboard. Xander Schauffele remains in the lead, but he is now just one stroke ahead of Collin Morikawa.
Hovland’s Round by the Numbers
Hole Score 1 Par 2 Bogey 3 Par 4 Birdie 5 Par 6 Par 7 Par 8 Bogey 9 Par 10 Par 11 Triple Bogey 12 Par 13 Par 14 Par 15 Par 16 Par 17 Par 18 Par Unexpected Players Emerge as Leaders
In a compelling turn of events, the PGA Championship has witnessed several underdogs rising to the forefront. These players have astonished observers with their exceptional abilities and unwavering determination.
Among these rising stars is Mito Pereira, a Chilean golfer who is making his major championship debut at Southern Hills. Despite facing the pressure of the world stage, Pereira has maintained his composure and displayed a maturity beyond his years. In round two, he carded an impressive 64, propelling him to the top of the leaderboard. His steady play and ability to adapt to challenging conditions have made him a contender to watch in the remaining rounds.
Another unexpected performer is Wyndham Clark, who secured a share of the lead during round one. Clark’s impressive ball-striking and accurate putting have served him well, setting him up for a potential title run. His success reflects his hard work and dedication to improvement, demonstrating that anything is possible in the world of golf.
While Pereira and Clark have garnered significant attention, other players have also made their presence felt. Tony Finau, who has been a consistent presence on the PGA Tour, has showcased his prowess at Southern Hills. Boasting some of the longest drives on the circuit, Finau has put himself in position to challenge for his maiden major championship victory.
Cameron Young is another up-and-coming golfer who has made a strong impression at the PGA Championship. After winning the LIV Golf Invitational two weeks prior, Young has carried his momentum into this major tournament. His aggressive approach and willingness to take risks have paid off, propelling him into contention.
These emerging leaders have injected an unpredictable and exciting element into the PGA Championship. Their performances serve as a reminder that even in the most competitive of fields, anyone with talent and belief can triumph on the grandest stage. As the tournament progresses, it will be fascinating to see how these players handle the pressure and continue to navigate the treacherous Southern Hills course.
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