The 2025 US PGA Championship showcased an electric performance from world number one Scottie Scheffler, who took charge of the tournament with a remarkable display in the third round held at Quail Hollow. Scheffler, 28 years old, finished the day with an outstanding six-under-par score of 65, which included an eagle, seven birdies, and three bogeys. This exceptional round allowed him to end the day with a total score of 11 under par, three strokes ahead of his nearest competitor. As he moves into Sunday’s final round, Scheffler’s confidence is high; having previously converted 54-hole leads into victories at major events in 2022 and 2024, he is now on the brink of achieving his third major triumph.
In second place was Sweden’s Alex Noren, who rose through the ranks with a solid performance that saw him finishing at eight under par. Noren’s journey through the round included birdies on four of his last five holes, culminating in a 66. This marks a significant comeback for Noren, particularly given that he made his first appearance in over seven months after recovering from a serious hamstring injury. Meanwhile, notable names such as Jon Rahm from Spain and American Bryson DeChambeau both contended well throughout the day. However, despite holding an early lead, they settled at six under and five under par, respectively.
Scheffler’s ascendance to the top was remarkably thrilling. The day began with scattered thunderstorms that delayed play by over three hours, necessitating a change in the tee-off arrangement—including starting from both the first and tenth tees and competing in groups of three rather than two. Despite these conditions, Scheffler’s game surged forward, particularly as he wrapped up his last five holes with five birdies, showcasing not only skill but also strategy and mental fortitude. The pivotal moment of his round was his eagle on the 14th hole, where he landed his drive just three feet from the pin before sinking the putt. This victory cemented him firmly at the top and demonstrated his capacity for finishing strong under pressure.
Competing alongside Scheffler were other prominent golfers like DeChambeau, who struggled during the climactic stretch of his round after momentarily holding the lead. He made a bogey on 16 and compounded that with a double bogey on the challenging 17th hole, leaving him at five under par for the tournament. For DeChambeau, whose recent form has been notably strong, this was a bittersweet round that underscored the unpredictable nature of the game.
At the opposite end of the leaderboard, Rory McIlroy, the Masters champion, wrapped up the day at one over par, trailing significantly behind the leaders at 13 shots. This stark contrast highlighted the competitiveness of the tournament and the unpredictable dynamics that can fluctuate from hole to hole.
Jon Rahm also made his presence felt during the third round. He began strong, gaining strokes early on but hit a snag when his approach on the 11th hole struck a spectator—after which he showed admirable sportsmanship, checking on the fan’s well-being and offering a signed glove. He swiftly recovered by scoring three birdies in subsequent holes, although a bogey on 17 brought him back to five under. Given his past performances, including a win at the 2021 US Open, Rahm remains a potent competitor, emphasizing the high stakes and thrilling narratives that unfold in major championships.
As the final round approaches, all eyes will be on Scheffler to see if he can fend off the competition once again and secure his place in golf history. Fans can follow live updates via BBC Sport’s platforms, amplifying the excitement surrounding this prestigious event in the world of golf.