DESPITE a PGA Championship lacking some star power, Sunday (May 18, 2025, PH time) belonged to Scottie Scheffler, who put on a dazzling display down the stretch at Quail Hollow, carding a six-under 65 to seize a three-shot lead heading into the final round.
Scheffler’s surge began with a precise 3-wood to within three feet on the par-4 14th for an eagle, a shot so electrifying it momentarily disrupted Bryson DeChambeau’s putt across the lake on the 17th.
He capped his round with an impressive 8-iron from a divot to inside 10 feet for a birdie on the 18th, extending his advantage over Alex Noren, who shot a 66 and will play in the final group with the world No. 1 for the first time.
DeChambeau, the U.S. Open champion who has been a significant presence in majors, briefly held the lead after a birdie on the par-5 15th.
However, his momentum faltered with a missed short par putt on the 16th and a water ball on the par-3 17th – the cheers for Scheffler causing him to back off and ultimately miss a bogey putt. He salvaged a 69, but found himself three shots back initially, and then six behind Scheffler after the latter’s brilliant 5-under performance over the final five holes.
The third round, delayed by morning storms, saw tee times adjusted to threesomes starting off both tees just before noon, leading to a flurry of lead changes, with nine players holding at least a share at some point.
Among them was two-time major winner Jon Rahm, who is still seeking a serious major contention since joining LIV Golf. “Hard to express how hungry I may be for a major,” Rahm stated, finishing his round nearly two hours before Scheffler and anticipating being just a shot behind. He now faces a five-shot deficit, though with growing confidence.
Scheffler’s remarkable 65 was the lowest round of the tournament thus far, moving him to 11-under 202 as he pursues his third major title. His pivotal stretch began with the eagle on the 14th. A birdie on the par-5 15th then gave him the outright lead.
Scheffler expressed satisfaction with his finish, which included an 18-foot birdie putt at the difficult 17th and a closing birdie, both accompanied by visible emotion. “Big emotion for me,” Scheffler said. “It was an important time in the round. I wanted to finish off the round the right way.”
Masters champion Rory McIlroy and defending PGA champion Xander Schauffele endured a long day, both carding 72. Their later start due to the weather delay meant they were on a different part of Quail Hollow as the dramatic finish unfolded.
Davis Riley shot a 67 to reach 7-under 206, along with North Carolina’s J.T. Poston (68). Rahm was tied for fifth. Si Woo Kim and Jhonattan Vegas, who held the overnight leads, both struggled, with Vegas ultimately carding a 73 after a promising start.
DeChambeau, who played in the final group at the Masters, was bogey-free through 15 holes before a costly finish. “It cost me three shots,” he noted.
Ultimately, Scheffler’s stellar play left DeChambeau, Rahm, and the rest of the field with a significant challenge to overcome. / From the wires