Thomas Detry surged ahead at the Phoenix Open, shooting a remarkable 6-under 65 on Saturday, granting him a commanding five-shot lead as he heads into the final round. The Phoenix Open, a prominent PGA Tour event, unfolded at the TPC Scottsdale in Arizona, drawing its largest crowd on Saturday. Despite the enormous turnout, the atmosphere remained subdued compared to previous years.
Detry began the day with a two-shot lead, thanks to an impressive 64 on Friday. He maintained his momentum on Saturday, securing four birdies over his first five holes. He capped off his round by sinking a dramatic 19-foot par putt on the par-4 18th, achieving an 18-under 195 on the Stadium Course.
While Detry clearly stole the spotlight, Rasmus Hojgaard, Daniel Berger, and Michael Kim also made significant moves, each finishing at 13 under. Berger delivered a solid performance with a 66, highlighted by an eagle on the 15th hole and birdies on the 16th and 18th. Meanwhile, Kim carded a 68 to stay in contention.
Maverick McNealy made waves with a stunning 63, climbing up the leaderboard. His round included an impressive stretch of four consecutive birdies from holes five through eight. Reflecting on the day's events and atmosphere, McNealy remarked:
"Previous years, it started to get a little out of hand, but right now it's in a sweet spot," – Maverick McNealy
McNealy recently captured his first tour title at The RSM Classic late last year, showcasing his growing prowess in the sport.
The weather in Scottsdale was near perfect for the tournament, with temperatures soaring into the 70s and brilliant sunshine illuminating the course. Though the crowd was substantial, the ambiance was notably less rowdy than in previous years. Last year saw officials closing gates and limiting alcohol sales due to unruly fans and inclement weather.
Top-ranked Scottie Scheffler finished his round with a birdie for a 68, placing him eight shots behind Detry. The competition remains fierce as players aim to close the gap in the concluding round.
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