Xander Schauffele Takes Lead as Wyndham Clark Finds Trouble at 17th Hole
In a thrilling turn of events, Xander Schauffele seizes the lead after Wyndham Clark's unfortunate shot lands in the waters of the infamous 17th hole at TPC Sawgrass. The Players Championship is set for an intense finale as Schauffele edges ahead, setting the stage for a dramatic conclusion.
Xander Schauffele took advantage of Wyndham Clark's mistake on the 17th hole at TPC Sawgrass to take a one-stroke lead in The Players Championship, setting the stage for an exciting finish.
The two American golfers had a thrilling battle during the third round of the PGA Tour's prestigious tournament on Saturday. It seemed like they would be tied for the lead going into the final round, but reigning US Open champion Clark made a costly error on the 123-yard par-three hole.
The world No. 5 chose not to tee up his ball, causing clumps of turf to go flying. He winced in anguish as his ball landed in the water well before reaching the iconic island green.
We Golf broadcaster Ewen Murray questioned, "Why wouldn't you tee the ball up when you have the option to do so?"
“He’s just duffed it,” added co-commentator and 20-time LPGA champion Laura Davies.
Clark became the latest golfer to fall foul to the 17th hole.
Clark became the latest golfer to fall foul to the 17th hole.
Lynne Sladky/AP
Yet, Clark's response to his initial shoddy effort was sublime. Despite deciding against a different angle from the penalty drop area to the left of the green, he nervelessly dropped his second attempt within seven feet of the cup before rolling it home.
PONTE VEDRA BEACH, FLORIDA - MARCH 11: An aerial drone view of the 17th hole during the third round of THE PLAYERS Championship at Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass on March 11, 2023 in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. (Photo by Chris Condon/PGA TOUR Via Getty images)
An aerial drone captured the stunning view of the 17th hole at THE PLAYERS Championship in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida on March 11, 2023. The Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass was the picturesque setting for this exciting event. The photo was taken by Chris Condon and is courtesy of PGA TOUR/Getty Images.
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If there were ever such a thing as a good bogey, this would be it. Clark was definitely pleased with how he managed to limit the damage, as he celebrated with a strong fist pump.
He finished his round with a solid two-under 70, matching Schauffele's par on the final hole. This keeps him in contention for the $4.5 million prize for the winner.
Clark expressed disappointment in having his worst swing of the day on such an iconic hole with many challenges, as he shared with reporters. However, he quickly followed it up with a great swing and a successful putt. He remains hopeful that this moment will be a significant turning point in the tournament. Clark believes that looking back on this shot and putt tomorrow, they may realize that it was the defining moment of the competition.
Clark quickly brushed off the idea that a lack of focus caused his tee shot mistake. He explained that his caddie, John Ellis, recommended he hit his sand wedge with less power than usual, which resulted in a costly error.
"I'm not blaming John at all, but maybe I should have stuck to my usual sand wedge shot," Clark admitted.
While I was preparing to hit the ball, I reached the top of my swing and thought, "Take a little off," but ended up slowing down and hitting the ground before the ball.
It wasn't that I wasn't paying attention or focused. It was simply a bad swing on my part.
A strong response kept Clark within a stroke of Schauffele.
A strong response kept Clark within a stroke of Schauffele.
Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images
Schauffele makes his move
World No.6 Schauffele began the day trailing Clark by four shots. However, he made an impressive comeback by scoring seven birdies and finishing with a bogey-free 65.
This performance now gives the 30-year-old a one-shot lead as he aims for his eighth PGA Tour title and his first Players crown. He had previously finished tied-second in 2018.
"It was definitely tough out there," Schauffele shared. "The wind was swirling on the back nine for all of us. I just tried to stay focused and keep pushing forward on moving day."
“It could be low tomorrow, but for the most part I’m going to try and enjoy myself and stay in my lane,” he added.
Schauffele quickly closed the gap to Clark.
Schauffele quickly closed the gap to Clark.
Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images
American golfer Brian Harman had an impressive round of 64, the best of the tournament, bringing him within two strokes of leader Schauffele. The chasing pack behind the leader also closed in on the top spot.
Starting the week with a frustrating even-72, the reigning Open Championship winner had a strong performance on the weekend with a score of 65. He made nine birdies, improving on his previous round.
Harman sighed, "Thursday was a bit of a letdown. It just felt like one of those days where everything went wrong - like eating bad oatmeal."
He continued, "The past two days have been more in line with how I was preparing. It's frustrating that I didn't start off stronger, but I'm confident that all the hard work I put in will pay off eventually."
Harman shot the best round of the tournament so far on Saturday.
Harman shot the best round of the tournament so far on Saturday.
Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images
More mayhem for McIlroy
England’s Matt Fitzpatrick and American Maverick McNealy both shot 68 to end Saturday four shots off the lead, one stroke ahead of world No.1 Scottie Scheffler.
Ben Silverman of Canada walks off the fifth tee during the final round of the Sony Open in Hawaii at Waialae Country Club on January 14, 2024 in Honolulu, Hawaii.
Ben Silverman of Canada walks off the fifth tee during the final round of the Sony Open in Hawaii at Waialae Country Club on January 14, 2024 in Honolulu, Hawaii.
Michael Reaves/Getty Images/File
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Scheffler fought through a neck injury during most of his second round, shooting 68 as he aims to make history by winning consecutive Players titles.
Meanwhile, World No. 2 Rory McIlroy experienced a rollercoaster week with many ups and downs. Despite this, a strong late rally kept his slim chances of a second tournament victory alive.
The Northern Irishman was frustrated after a double-bogey on the 14th hole, but he finished strong with three birdies in a row to score a 69. This put him right in the middle of his outstanding opening round of 65 and his shaky second round of 73.
According to golf journalist Justin Ray, only Webb Simpson had more birdies and eagles than McIlroy in the tournament's 50-year history, with a total of 21 through three rounds.
It's been a turbulent week for McIlroy in Florida.
It's been a turbulent week for McIlroy in Florida.
Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images
Yet when Simpson poured in his 22 in 2018, it built him a seven-stroke advantage that he used to clinch the trophy.
By contrast four-time major winner McIlroy, will begin Sunday eight shots behind leader Schauffele, his chances hurt by six bogeys and three double bogeys in the tournament.
Editor's P/S:
The third round of The Players Championship was filled with excitement and drama, setting the stage for a thrilling final round. Wyndham Clark's costly error on the 17th hole opened the door for Xander Schauffele to take a one-stroke lead, while Brian Harman's impressive 64 kept him within striking distance. Rory McIlroy's late rally kept his hopes of a second tournament victory alive, but he faces an uphill battle starting eight shots behind Schauffele.
Clark's response to his initial mistake on the 17th hole showcased his resilience and mental toughness. Despite deciding against a different angle from the penalty drop area, he nervelessly dropped his second attempt within seven feet of the cup before rolling it home. This "good bogey" kept him in contention and may prove to be a turning point in the tournament. Schauffele's impressive comeback, highlighted by seven birdies and a bogey-free 65, demonstrated his determination to secure his first Players crown. The chasing pack, including Harman and McNealy, will be eager to capitalize on any slip-ups from the leaders, promising an exciting and unpredictable final round.
