Scottie Scheffler carded a four-under-par 68 in Saturday’s third round of the American Express.
He played the Pete Dye Stadium Course, considered the toughest layout in the tournament rotation.
World number one Scheffler has looked comfortable this week in La Quinta, even without hitting top form.
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His scoring has remained strong throughout the event, though he hasn’t been fully satisfied with his driving through the opening two rounds.
The 29-year-old is likely to put in plenty of work ahead of Sunday’s final round, focusing on every aspect of his game.
Scheffler will face off against teenage standout Blades Brown and close friend Si Woo Kim, along with others like Wyndham Clark who are all within reach. It sets up what should be an interesting final day at PGA West’s Nicklaus Tournament Course.
Scottie Scheffler explains why he was so happy with one shot during the American Express
Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images
Even though Scottie Scheffler didn’t have his sharpest game on Saturday, he still managed to put together a solid round at the American Express. And while 68 wasn’t his best score, it was still respectable given how difficult the Stadium Course was playing.
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But that wasn’t enough for him to lead the field, especially with Justin Thomas sitting on 27-under and looking in good form.
He said: “I hit a high drive that was able to get some wind behind it. And I hit a really good, I mean, probably the best shot of the day, that 5-iron there pin high.
“Really challenging second shot to give myself a really good look for eagle. It was a really nice shot.”
Scheffler’s 5-iron second shot into the par-5 probably didn’t get the credit it deserved at the time. But he did a great job explaining just how much risk came with that play.
The execution was impressive – another moment that showed why he’s considered one of golf’s top players right now.
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How Scottie Scheffler’s numbers stacked up on the third day of the American Express
Scottie Scheffler put together a steady round in La Quinta, California, on Saturday afternoon, even if it wasn’t one of his flashier performances.
The world number one led the field in strokes gained off the tee and ranked 23rd in approach play. He was 10th in putting and around 26th around the greens, finishing 10th overall in total strokes gained for the day.
If he can clean up his iron play a bit more and knock down a few more putts on Sunday, there’s every chance he’ll hit that milestone 20th PGA Tour win.
It should make for an interesting final round as Scottie Scheffler faces off against Blades Brown and Si Woo Kim at the American Express.
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