PGA Championship Update from Charlotte

Charlotte, N.C. – Remember the chatter a few days back in the golf community?

There were complaints about the flat leaderboards, the quirky courses, and how this tournament felt more akin to a typical PGA Tour event rather than a major championship. But now, let’s take a look at that leaderboard.

It seems like the Quail Hollow Club has a knack for drawing out the best from players.

It took a couple of days, but things have definitely shifted.

Heading into the final round on Sunday, world No. 1 Scotty Scheffler leads at 11 under par, with a comfortable three-shot advantage after an impressive 6-under 65 on Saturday.

Interestingly, Scheffler finished strong, going 5 under in his last five holes, which includes an eagle on the 14th, a par 4 that’s reachable with an aggressive drive.

He sent his drive within two feet on that 305-yard hole and tapped it in effortlessly.

Scheffler, who had a stellar run last year with seven wins but has only one this season, shared how much it means to him to contend for another major title.

“These tournaments are crucial for us. You put in the work and have the chance to win big,” he noted. Still, he recognizes the need for another solid performance.

“There are plenty of talented players behind me. Someone is bound to go low. It’s on me to step up and finish strong. I’m ready for that challenge,” he said.

Right underneath Scheffler, players have been eager to mount a comeback after witnessing his strong play.

John Lahm posted a 67, putting him at 6 under and five shots back. Meanwhile, Bryson DeChambeau is also in the mix, sitting at 5 under after a 4-under 67. Keegan Bradley, the US Ryder Cup captain, shares that same score after carding a 68.

Bradley expressed enthusiasm about the competition, saying, “I was thrilled to see Scotty and Bryson up there. It’s great to look at the leaderboard and see so many Americans in contention.”

In close pursuit is Alex Noren, a 42-year-old Swede who’s found his way back into the fray, sitting at 8 under after shooting 66 on Saturday.

Noren, having battled a hamstring injury for months, enjoyed the chance to play all four rounds this week.

Davis Riley and JT Poston are trailing at 7 under, four shots off the pace.

Scheffler has faced some obstacles too, bouncing back strongly after bogeys on holes 11 and 13.

He managed to follow a bogey on 11 with a birdie on 12, but then faced another setback on 13 before rebounding with an eagle on 14.

“Those were significant moments, especially after that bogey on 13. Responding the way I did on 14 made a difference,” he reflected. “It’s the kind of hole where scoring can shift depending on your shot.”

Scheffler described his approach to the 14th: “I was focused on executing a well-placed 3-wood. Did I get lucky? Perhaps a bit. But it was more about hitting my target.”

DeChambeau electrified the crowd with a birdie on the 15th, reaching 8 under at one point, celebrating with the fans.

“I was pumped,” he said. “It felt like the moment to take charge. But then I had to keep my composure.”

However, he stumbled a bit on the final stretch, bogeying 16 and suffering a double on 17 after his tee shot landed in the water.

“You can always strive for more,” he remarked. “What happened, happened. It was just a series of unfortunate events. That’s golf for you—a frustrating game sometimes.”