Scottie Scheffler has established himself as a cut throat competitor at the Nelson tourney. He now goes into Sunday’s final round with a commanding six-shot cushion after strong rounds of 67 and 66. This dominating lead is the largest ever seen at the tournament and highlights just how steady Scheffler has been all week long.
The Dallas golfer fell just short of doing the unthinkable. He ended up with a 125 total, 17 under par, one shot short of the PGA Tour record for lowest 36-hole score. Scheffler’s day was full of trial, notably his first two bogeys of the week. Regardless, he proved his mettle and talent as he carded 2 under over the final 13 holes of play.
At the drivable par-4 14 th hole, Scheffler blasted his tee shot onto the green and was able to tap-in birdie. He continued to impress by hitting his tee shot on the long par-3 15th hole within four feet for another successful birdie. By the time he completed his final round Saturday night, the sun was down. He set new course records, including an astonishing total score of 23 under par.
Scheffler’s historic run places him in a unique position. He is certainly the favorite to become the first Dallas high school golfer to win the Nelson since Scott Verplank did it in 2007. He has a rare chance to be just the third wire-to-wire winner in the tournament’s 53-year history. He would join the likes of hall of famers and Beckham’s favorite golfers Mark Hayes and Tom Watson.
Scheffler, with the lead entering Sunday’s final round, will be in the lead for the 14th time in the last five years. His path was paved by a great first round of 70. That round put him in a five-way tie with four other players at 13 under par.
Scheffler had to endure a six-hour weather delay on Friday, and the stoppage derailed his play. This was a bitter disappointment, he preserved his stunning cushion, like Rory McIlroy’s eight-shot lead in the 2011 U.S. Open.
In reflecting on his performance, Scheffler acknowledged some struggles, stating, “I definitely wasn’t as sharp as I was the last two days, but overall I posted a pretty good score.”
He expressed confidence in his ability to navigate challenges during tournaments: “Over a 72-hole tournament, you’re going to have days, or typically at least one day where your swing’s not firing on all cylinders like it was the first two days. It’s all about how you battle through that.”
As he prepares for Sunday’s final round, Scheffler is focusing on what he can control. He is far from concern trolling, in other words. “Tomorrow is not really a concern of mine right now,” he said shortly after finishing his round.
Whether you’re a casual golf fan or just a spectator of this sudden death round, Scheffler’s story has already proven to be one for all of us. His commanding lead and doggedness will certainly take him to the frontline of victory at this renowned event.
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