🏌️ PGA Championship Round 3 Recap: Scheffler Surges Ahead
PGA Championship Round 3 at Quail Hollow brought major movement, surging momentum, and a commanding new leader. World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler delivered a superb back nine to take a three-shot lead heading into Sunday’s final round.
🔥 Scheffler’s Momentum Builds
Scottie Scheffler began the day with a bogey on the opening hole. After missing the green to the left from 211 yards, he was short-sided and settled for a 5. However, as he often does, he steadied the ship quickly. Two composed pars followed on holes 2 and 3.
Soon after, momentum began to shift. At the par-3 4th, he hit a precise tee shot for a tap-in birdie. On the very next hole, he drained an 18-foot putt for another birdie. Then, after two solid pars, he added a birdie on the par-5 7th with a two-putt, closing the front nine with a 33 (2-under).
The back nine, meanwhile, posed a tougher challenge. He missed a 5’4″ birdie putt on 10, then bogeyed the par-4 11th after missing the fairway. Nevertheless, Scheffler responded with poise. He made a 9’3″ birdie on the 12th, although he dropped another shot on 13 after landing in the left bunker.
At the drivable par-4 14th, he nearly holed out his approach and tapped in for eagle. Energized, he birdied the par-5 15th and entered the daunting Green Mile with momentum on his side. While he missed birdie on 16, he closed with back-to-back birdies on 17 and 18. Ultimately, he signed for a 6-under 65, taking the outright lead at 11-under.
🏌️ Players in Pursuit
Trailing him, Alex Noren sits three shots back at 8-under. His Saturday round included seven birdies — notably on 17 and 18 — offset by two bogeys. Not far behind, Davis Riley and J.T. Poston are tied for third at 7-under after consistent rounds of 67 and 68, respectively.
In addition, Jon Rahm, Si Woo Kim, and Jhonattan Vegas are tied at 6-under. Vegas, who led early, struggled with a 73 but remains in contention. A group of contenders at 5-under includes U.S. Ryder Cup captain Keegan Bradley. In contrast, his European counterpart Luke Donald slipped with a 2-over 73, having opened with a bogey-free 67.
Elsewhere, Maverick McNealy started fast. He opened on the 10th hole and reached 5-under through seven. Unfortunately, he stalled from there, making three bogeys to fall back to 2-under.
❌ Notables Who Slipped
Bryson DeChambeau climbed to 8-under through 15 holes, but Quail Hollow’s Green Mile proved punishing. A bogey on 16 followed by a double bogey on 17 knocked him back to 5-under — a costly finish.
Similarly, Max Homa couldn’t continue his Round 2 heroics. He posted a disappointing 76 and dropped to even par. As for Rory McIlroy, he remained inconsistent and carded a 72, leaving him at 2-over. Notably, McIlroy had to switch drivers midweek after his original shaft was deemed non-conforming — a detail that may have affected his rhythm.
After PGA Championship Round 3, Scheffler has a clear path toward his third major title. His game remains dominant — leading the field in overall Strokes Gained and ranking in the top 10 for three of four categories. With Sunday looming, the Wanamaker Trophy is within reach, and it’s Scheffler’s to lose.
🔗 For the complete official leaderboard, visit the PGA Championship website.
