NEWTOWN SQUARE, Pa. – The PGA Championship where no one could take control Saturday might be the major that practically everybody can win.
As the competition unfolded at the historic Aronimink Golf Club, the atmosphere was electric with tension and excitement. Ryder Cup teammates Jon Rahm and Ludvig Aberg found themselves sharing the top spot in a remarkable five-way tie for the lead. This scenario was unprecedented in recent major tournament history, marking the largest logjam through 54 holes since the 1933 British Open.
On a day that saw 14 players share the lead at various points, the tightly packed leaderboard made the stakes even higher. At one juncture, an astounding 28 players were separated by only two shots, showcasing the competitive nature of this championship.
“That was a fantastic round of golf and thrilled to be in a good position for tomorrow,” Rahm stated after carding a 3-under 67, despite a careless three-putt bogey on the final hole. His confidence heading into the final round was palpable.
Rory McIlroy, who had started the third round five shots behind the leaders, exemplified the day’s unpredictability. He shot a blistering 4-under 66, marking his 25th score of 66 or better in a major. “I feel like I still did enough to think I have a chance going into tomorrow,” McIlroy said, leaving the door open for a dramatic finish.
Alex Smalley, co-leader through the first two rounds, faced a challenging start with four bogeys in his first eight holes. However, he rallied back with a series of birdies on the back nine, positioning himself to potentially join the final group on Sunday in only his fifth major appearance.
Defending champion Scottie Scheffler had opportunities to seize control but struggled with his putting. He missed six putts within 10 feet, including four critical birdie attempts. Nonetheless, he managed a 9-foot bogey putt on the 18th, finishing with a 71 and remaining within three shots of the lead. “Going into tomorrow, it’s quite literally anybody’s tournament. There’s a lot of guys that have a chance,” Scheffler remarked, underlining the open nature of the contest.
Aberg, the talented Swede known for his efficient swing, shot 68 and was part of the leading group at 4-under 206, alongside Matti Schmid of Germany (65), Nick Taylor of Canada (65), and Aaron Rai of England (67).
Three players who concluded the day at 3-under 207 were all seasoned major champions: McIlroy, Xander Schauffele (66), and Patrick Reed (67). Schauffele, who has won two majors in 2024, expressed his relief at being back in contention, saying, “Nice to be back in touch in a major.”
As the final round approaches, the excitement builds. With so many players in contention, this year’s PGA Championship promises to deliver thrilling moments and possibly a historic outcome.
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AP golf: https://apnews.com/hub/golf
