Bryson DeChambeau’s hopes for a third major championship experienced a significant setback as he struggled during the latter part of his round at the PGA Championship on Saturday. The golfer briefly held the lead at 8-under-par but found himself in trouble on the challenging closing holes of Quail Hollow, known as the Green Mile.
After an impressive start, hitting birdies throughout the first 15 holes, DeChambeau faced difficulties on No. 16, where he recorded a bogey after missing a straightforward putt. His challenges escalated on the par-3 17th, where a wayward shot landed him in the water, leading to a double bogey. In just under two hours, DeChambeau slipped from the top of the leaderboard to a tie for eighth place, six shots behind the leader, Scottie Scheffler, who showcased masterful play by finishing the final five holes at 5-under, solidifying his command of the tournament with a score of 11-under 202.
The winds at Quail Hollow posed a significant factor in DeChambeau’s miscalculations. He acknowledged that gusts altered his shots, stating that the change in wind direction contributed to his downfall on several holes, particularly on 17 where he felt he had played the right shot until the wind abruptly shifted. Despite the disappointing turn of events, he expressed satisfaction with his overall performance through the first 15 holes, maintaining that he wouldn’t change his approach.
DeChambeau, while facing a challenging six-shot gap to reach Scheffler, remains optimistic heading into the final round. He has demonstrated resilience in high-pressure situations before, as evidenced by having been in contention on the final day of three of his last four majors, including his U.S. Open victory last summer.
As he prepares for the last day of the tournament, DeChambeau is focused on overcoming the deficit, emphasizing his intent to control what he can and looking to produce a remarkable round to reclaim his position in the game. “I’ve got to get my guns a-blazing tomorrow,” he stated, showcasing his determination to fight back and aim for a score that could potentially turn the competition on its head.
This reflects the unpredictability of golf, where a single hole can significantly alter a player’s standing. DeChambeau’s story serves as a reminder that perseverance is key, and though he faces a tough challenge, he remains committed to giving it his all in the final round.