Written by: Divyanshu Sahu

 

 

The PGA Championship 2024 has reached a fever pitch as the third day of competition unfolds, revealing moments of sheer brilliance and unexpected turns on the venerable greens of Valhalla. This major championship, a cornerstone event in the golf calendar, has not only gathered the world's top golfers like Rory McIlroy, Scottie Scheffler, and Collin Morikawa but has also attracted global attention for its high stakes and the prestigious PGA leaderboard rankings. With the leaderboard constantly fluctuating, the tension and excitement among fans and players alike are palpable, making every shot, every hole, and every round crucial as the tournament progresses towards its climax.

 

 

Xander Schauffele and Collin Morikawa shake hands on the 18th green after the third round of the 2024 PGA Championship.  

 

Major Highlights from Day 3 at the PGA Championship 2024

 

Top Performers of the Day

 

 

Shane Lowry enjoying the field at round 3 at Valhalla Golf Course

 

Day 3 of the PGA Championship 2024 saw Shane Lowry and Xander Schauffele making headlines with their exceptional performances. Lowry nearly made history with a potential first-ever 61 in a major, ultimately carding a 62, tying him with Schauffele for the lowest round in PGA Championship history. This round propelled Lowry 25 spots up the leaderboard, placing him in a competitive position for the final day. Schauffele, maintaining his lead, showcased resilience and skill, especially with a critical birdie on the 14th hole that kept him in a strong position atop the leaderboard.

 

Record-Breaking Moments

 

The day was nearly historic as Shane Lowry stepped onto the 18th green with a chance to break a major championship record. Despite missing the birdie putt for a 61, Lowry's 62 matched the lowest score ever recorded at the PGA Championship, a feat that underscored the exceptional scoring conditions at Valhalla Golf Club. The average score of 69.55 for the day underscored the favorable conditions, making it one of the most memorable rounds in the event's history.

 

Dramatic Shifts in the Leaderboard

 

The leaderboard saw significant changes throughout the day, with six players within two shots of the lead, marking one of the most competitive fields in recent PGA Championship history. Collin Morikawa and Xander Schauffele ended the day as co-leaders, setting the stage for a thrilling final round. A pivotal moment occurred on the 15th hole, where Schauffele's approach led to a costly mistake, allowing Morikawa to take the outright lead momentarily. This dramatic shift underscored the intense competition and the narrow margins that separated the top contenders.

 

 

Key Players and Their Journey on Day 3

 

Collin Morikawa and Xander Schauffele's Tied Leadership

 

 

Morikawa and Schauffele used birdies on the 18th hole to put themselves in a tie for the lead at 15-under.

 

Collin Morikawa and Xander Schauffele, both American golfers, have emerged as frontrunners in the PGA Championship 2024, each showcasing exceptional skill to end Day 3 tied at the top of the leaderboard with scores of 15 under. Their performance was marked by a series of birdies on the par-5 18th, demonstrating a neck-to-neck competition that kept spectators on the edge of their seats. Morikawa, in pursuit of his third major title, displayed resilience, bouncing back from an early bogey with consecutive birdies, while Schauffele aimed to convert his lead into a major victory after a similar scenario at the Wells Fargo Championship.

 

Sahith Theegala's Chase

 

Positioned just behind the leaders, Sahith Theegala concluded Day 3 at 14 under, making him a strong contender for the championship. Despite a shaky start with back-to-back bogeys, Theegala recovered remarkably, securing six birdies over the final 10 holes. His determination and skillful play have set the stage for an exciting showdown in the final round.

 

Shane Lowry's Record-Tying Performance

 

Shane Lowry's Day 3 performance was nothing short of spectacular, tying the record for the lowest round in a men's major golf championship with a score of 62. Starting the day eight shots behind Schauffele, Lowry's series of birdies, including a critical 6-foot birdie putt on the 17th, propelled him up the leaderboard. Despite narrowly missing a historic birdie putt on the 18th, Lowry's exceptional round placed him firmly among the top contenders, only two shots off the lead shared by Schauffele and Morikawa.

 

 

Impactful Moments That Defined Day 3

 

Unpredictable Weather Conditions

 

The third day at the PGA Championship 2024 was heavily influenced by unpredictable weather conditions. Early in the tournament, scattered showers and thunderstorms, remnants of a low-pressure system, challenged the players with heavy rainfall and gusts of wind. This not only tested their skills but also their mental fortitude. The weather conditions varied significantly throughout the day, from moments of calm to sudden downpours, adding an extra layer of complexity to the game.

 

Crucial Shots and Strategic Plays

 

 

Sahith Theegala is alone in third, the first time in his young major championship career

 

 

• Theegala's Recovery: After starting with back-to-back bogeys, Theegala's birdie at the ninth hole was crucial, igniting a series of birdies that moved him into a competitive position.

 

• Schauffele's Double Bogey: A significant shift occurred when Schauffele double-bogeyed, losing at least a share of the lead for the first time on the third day. This moment underscored the narrow margins and the importance of every shot.

 

• Bryson DeChambeau's Eagle on the 18th: DeChambeau's eagle hole out on the 18th was a defining moment, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure and securing his place in one of the final pairings.

 

Crowd's Role and Player Interactions

 

 

Spectators wore Free Scottie t-shirts and one wore an orange jumpsuit like shown in the Louisville Metro Corrections mug shot of Scottie Scheffler at the 2024 PGA Championship

 

 

The crowd played a significant role in shaping the atmosphere of the day. Following the surprising incident involving Scottie Scheffler's arrest, the support for him was palpable, with spectators donning "Free Scottie" T-shirts and creating a unique backdrop for the competition. Additionally, the camaraderie among players was evident, particularly in the moment when Rose embraced Lowry to celebrate his record-tying performance. These interactions between players and the crowd added a layer of warmth and excitement to the competitive spirit of the championship.

The third day of the PGA Championship 2024 was marked by a blend of unpredictable weather, crucial shots, strategic plays, and the undeniable influence of the crowd and player interactions, setting the stage for an unforgettable final round.

 

 

Analysis of the Leaderboard Heading Into the Final Day

 

As the PGA Championship 2024 approaches its climax at Valhalla Golf Club, the leaderboard is tightly packed with talent, promise, and potential surprises. The final day is set to be a battlefield for both seasoned contenders and emerging underdogs, each armed with their unique strategies and bolstered by historical performances.

 

Strategies for the Top Contenders

 

• Scottie Scheffler: Entering as the world No. 1 and a 3-1 betting favorite, Scheffler's strategy revolves around leveraging his successful run and exceptional ball-striking ability. His recent victories, including the Players Championship and Masters, indicate a focus on maintaining form and capitalizing on scoring opportunities.

 

• Collin Morikawa: Known for his precision and consistency, Morikawa aims to utilize his strengths in ball striking and fairway accuracy. Finishing T19 or better in major PGA Tour events this year, Morikawa's approach will likely involve strategic play and avoiding unforced errors.

 

• Brooks Koepka: With a history of performing well in PGA Championships, Koepka's strategy will likely focus on using his driving strength and approach shots to gain an advantage, especially on Valhalla's challenging greens.

 

Potential Underdogs

 

• Tony Finau: Despite being a 35-1 longshot, Finau's game suits Valhalla well, making him a strong contender for a surprise finish. His driving and approach game could see him making a significant leap on the final day.

 

• Sahith Theegala: With odds of 75-1, Theegala's recent performance and career-best statistics in various aspects of the game position him as a potential dark horse in the championship.

 

• Cam Smith: Often underestimated, Smith's short-game prowess and recent top finishes in majors make him a sleeper pick who could disrupt the leaderboard dynamics.

 

Historical Comparisons and Predictions

 

The PGA Championship at Valhalla has historically rewarded the best ball strikers, with past champions like Jack Nicklaus and Rory McIlroy excelling in this aspect. This year, players like Morikawa and Scheffler, known for their ball-striking capabilities, are predicted to perform well. However, the unpredictable nature of golf means underdogs with recent form improvements, such as Theegala and Finau, cannot be discounted. The final day is expected to be a testament to both skill and strategy, with the potential for historic performances and surprise outcomes.

 

 

Conclusion

 

As the PGA Championship 2024 at Valhalla Golf Club draws to a close, the tournament has undoubtedly lived up to its reputation as a spectacle of high stakes and even higher skill. The day's events have showcased not only the technical prowess but also the mental resilience required at this level of competition, with players like Shane Lowry, Collin Morikawa, and Xander Schauffele creating moments that will be etched in the annals of golf history. Their exemplary performances underline the importance of precision, strategy, and adaptability in navigating the challenges of Valhalla, setting a thrilling stage for the final day's showdown.

 

In reflection, the third day of competition has exemplified the essence of major championship golf, with its dramatic shifts in leaderboard standings and the intense competition that defines this sport. As we look forward to the culmination of this premier event, it's clear that the final rounds are as much a test of character as they are of golfing skill. For enthusiasts looking to embrace the golfing lifestyle or enhance their game, resources like 4moles.com provide all you need to become a pro golfer, from booking tees to connecting with the golfing community at MyCircle. Stay connected and remain part of the action as we anticipate an unforgettable finish to the PGA Championship 2024.

 

 

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