Scheffler Takes Commanding Lead in PGA Championship After Stellar Round

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Scottie Scheffler surged to the top of the leaderboard at the PGA Championship on Saturday, posting a remarkable 6-under 65 at Quail Hollow Club. The world No. 1 golfer capitalized on a dynamic final stretch, including an eagle on the 14th hole, to close with a three-stroke lead.

Standing on the 14th tee, Scheffler faced a 304-yard journey to the hole. Some may have expected his drive to come up short due to the wind, but instead, it found the green just two feet away. “I executed the shot…there’s a little bit of luck involved,” Scheffler said after his impressive performance.

In addition to the eagle, he also notched birdies on the 15th, 17th, and 18th holes to finish the day 11 under for the tournament. His strong finish effectively eliminated the competition as he appeared calm and confident, making him a strong contender for his third major championship title.

Meanwhile, Bryson DeChambeau, who had enjoyed a brief lead earlier in the round, faced challenges on the closing holes. He slipped to 5 under after a double-bogey on the par-3 17th but remains in striking distance as he prepares for Sunday’s final round.

Jon Rahm, another formidable competitor, finished the day at 6 under. “I’m assuming I’ll be at least one shot back starting tomorrow,” Rahm said, looking ahead to the final stretch of the tournament.

As Scheffler heads into the final round, his ability to manage his emotions and focus on his game sets him apart. “Golf is not really a game where you can force things…you have to be a lot more patient,” Scheffler stated, highlighting the importance of strategy in his game.

With just one round left, Scheffler is poised to extend his lead, but challengers like DeChambeau and Rahm are eager for a comeback. Sunday will showcase their chase for the Wanamaker Trophy, and all eyes will be on how Scheffler performs against the pressure of a final round in a major championship.