Golf World Marvels at Scottie Scheffler’s Unbelievable Par Save During Charles Schwab Challenge’s Third Round

Just a week after securing a commanding five-shot victory at the PGA Championship, Scottie Scheffler showcased once more why he’s regarded as the world no.1 with an incredible par save during the Charles Schwab Challenge.

During the third round, Scheffler’s tee shot on the par-4 seventh found its way halfway down a slope, nestled in dense undergrowth with only a narrow view of the green.

Undeterred, he managed to strike a wedge shot to around 5 metres from the hole and nearly sunk the putt.

In his own words, Scheffler stated, “the grass was airier than it was thick.”

“It was an intriguing situation because at first glance, the lie didn’t look great,” he elaborated.

His third round at Colonial Country Club in Pennsylvania kicked off dramatically, with five birdies and an eagle propelling him to an impressive 7-under after just 11 holes.

Although he experienced a slight dip, finishing the last seven holes at 1-over, he still found himself in a tie for seventh, albeit six shots behind the leaders, having begun the round a challenging ten shots off the pace.

“You always aim for the perfect round, but that hardly ever materialises,” Scheffler commented.

“Three bogeys certainly sting, especially when you’re in pursuit, but overall I executed some solid shots.”

If he can deliver another stellar round on Sunday, Scheffler could become the first golfer since Dustin Johnson in 2017 to win three consecutive tournaments, and the second golfer ever—aside from Ben Hogan in 1946—to win both the Byron Nelson and Colonial in the same season.

Earlier this month, Scheffler celebrated victory at his cherished hometown event, the CJ Cup Byron Nelson, where he matched the PGA Tour’s record for the lowest 72-hole score, finishing at 31-under 253 for an eight-stroke triumph.

“I’d say I am mentally a bit fatigued. This week, I’ll be keeping my schedule lighter than usual, but overall, I feel my game is in a solid position. I’ve managed to get some good rest leading into this week,” he shared.

“I’m just out here fighting my way through. Today was a solid day. The first two rounds could have gone better, but we’ll see how everything pans out… and I’ll see what I can achieve tomorrow.”

Historically, two players have managed to overcome deficits of seven strokes in Colonial’s final round, including Sam Burns three years ago, who triumphed over his good mate Scheffler on the first play-off hole. This matched Nick Price’s record of a seven-shot comeback in 1994 when he caught Scott Simpson and clinched victory on the first extra hole.

Having teed off around two hours before the co-leaders, Scheffler reached an impressive 8 under for the tournament thanks to an eagle at the 582-metre 11th hole, rolling onto the green in two shots and sinking a 5-metre putt. This followed consecutive birdies on either side of the turn.

However, he couldn’t escape the bogeys that came after hitting into bunkers on the 12th and 13th. At the 12th hole, measuring 414 metres, he two-putted from 12 metres, while at the par-3 13th, his tee shot found sand in front of the green near a pond.

He managed to bring that shot within 2 metres but failed to salvage par, and after tapping in for bogey, he swatted the ball out of the air with his putter, sending it off the green.

Scheffler rebounded with birdies at 16 and 17, but fell back again with another bogey on the 18th hole after missing the fairway.

“Perhaps you find yourself needing to motivate a bit more when you’re sitting ten shots behind compared to when you’re already in contention,” he reflected.

“Today, my goal was to make a series of birdies, and I was able to achieve that early. The back nine posed a few challenges for me, but all in all, I posted a respectable score.”

A score that could certainly have been even more impressive.