The PGA Championship at Valhalla ended with Xander Schauffele and Collin Morikawa tied for the lead, with Shane Lowry, Bryson DeChambeau, and Viktor Hovland close behind. Scottie Scheffler’s record streak of 42 consecutive rounds at par or better ended with a disappointing performance. Even with Lowry’s record-tying 62, the leaderboard remained crowded, with Sahith Theegala and Justin Rose also in the mix. Justin Thomas impressed with a shot that left him three shots off the lead, while a total of 15 players were at 10 under or better, a record-breaking number in major championship history. The third round saw players going low to stay in contention, with Scheffler struggling after an early setback.
Schauffele, the Olympic gold medalist, is looking to secure his first major title after being in the lead or tied for the lead in six of his last seven rounds. Morikawa, with two majors already under his belt at the age of 24, had a solid performance with only one notable mistake. The field was packed with strong contenders vying for the second major of the year, reminiscent of the situation at Harding Park in 2020. Morikawa emerged victorious at that event, and he recognizes the talent and potential of his fellow competitors, acknowledging that anyone could go low and claim the championship.
Lowry’s exceptional round ended with a missed opportunity for a 61, while DeChambeau chipped in for eagle on the last hole, igniting a surge of energy amongst the fans and players. Thomas, a Louisville native, had a notable birdie after hitting out of the weeds on the 14th hole, showcasing the unpredictable nature of the tournament. The scoring average for the third round was nearly a record, highlighting the competitiveness of the field and the necessity for players to post low scores to remain in contention.
Scheffler, recovering from a tumultuous day that included an arrest and brief jail time only to follow it up with a strong round, struggled after a series of early mistakes. His underwhelming performance put him out of the running for the title. The final round at Valhalla promises to be thrilling and unpredictable, with numerous players within striking distance of the lead. The battle for the Wanamaker Trophy, the prize for the winner of the PGA Championship, is wide open, as each contender has the potential to go low and emerge victorious. As the excitement builds, the competitors remain focused on executing their best game and seizing the opportunity to etch their names in golf history with a major championship victory.
