Top player Scottie Scheffler faced struggles at the PGA Championship, shooting a 2-over 73 in the third round to drop to 24th place. This ended his streak of 42 rounds at par or better dating back to the previous year. Despite his arrest the day before, Scheffler shot an impressive 66 in the second round, but it was clear that the events had taken a toll on him. The scoring average for the third round was low, with 15 players heading into the final round at double-digits under par, a record for a major tournament.
Scheffler started losing ground early in the third round at Valhalla as Justin Rose and Shane Lowry led the way with impressive scores. Despite hearing chants of support from the crowd, Scheffler struggled on the course, making numerous mistakes and shooting his worst round of the season. He expressed frustration with his performance, citing issues with tee shots, lies in the rough, and struggles with the putter that had not been present earlier in the season. His caddie Ted Scott, who had temporarily left, is set to return for the final round, which will start earlier than expected.
Throughout the round, Scheffler battled with various challenges on the course, including deep rough, penalty areas, and missteps with his putter. He made two birdies but also had a double bogey and several bogeys that hindered his performance. Despite his efforts, Scheffler’s 73 was better than only five players in the field, leaving him trailing leaders Collin Morikawa and Xander Schauffele by eight strokes heading into the final round. The return of his regular caddie for the last 18 holes could provide a boost for Scheffler as he aims to improve his position in the tournament.
Scheffler’s struggles in the third round came after a tumultuous day that included an arrest and a trip to a holding cell, leaving him physically and mentally drained. While he managed to perform well in the second round, it was evident that the events had an impact on his game. Despite trying to recover and focus on competing, Scheffler admitted that he did not feel like himself on the day of the third round. His disappointing performance was a stark contrast to the strong play he had earlier displayed, reflecting the challenges and uncertainties that can arise in professional golf tournaments like the PGA Championship.
The PGA Championship at Valhalla saw a strong field of players competing at a high level, with many contenders vying for the top spot on the leaderboard. Scheffler’s struggles in the third round highlighted the unpredictable nature of golf and the mental fortitude required to overcome setbacks on the course. As the tournament heads into its final round, Scheffler remains determined to bounce back from his disappointing performance and finish strong. With his caddie back by his side, he will have the support needed to navigate the challenges of the course and compete against the best players in the world.
