Scottie Scheffler is making headlines at the Genesis Invitational after an exciting third round at Riviera Country Club. After a tough start in the tournament, where he struggled to find his rhythm, the world number one golfer managed to turn things around with an impressive round of five under par, 66.
In the first round, Scheffler did not perform well, finishing with a 74, but quickly regained his footing with a second round of 68. The pressure at Riviera has been intense, especially due to the greens which, although soft, present a frightening speed, leaving many of the top players on the PGA Tour facing serious challenges.
After his round of 66, Scheffler expressed his peculiar relationship with the course, admitting that despite feeling a bit more comfortable, there were still moments when Riviera felt “strange” to him. “Sometimes, yes, maybe a little, but then at other times, it still felt weird,” Scheffler said, reflecting on his experience on the course.
He highlighted the importance of getting out early to take advantage of the fresh greens, which allowed him to solidify his performance. “The course is more accessible in the morning, the greens are fresher. So, I was able to make a few putts, which is crucial,” he stated. Despite leaving some points on the table, his solid round, marked by six birdies and just one bogey, left him satisfied.
An interesting fact to consider is Scheffler’s struggle with Poa annua greens, which have historically caused him difficulties. However, in this third round, his putting performance was exemplary, ranking second in “strokes gained putting” for the day, with an impressive gain of 2.187 strokes against the field. This is particularly noteworthy given the complexity of the surfaces, which, while smooth, require extreme precision.
Tomorrow, on the final day of the competition, Scheffler will need a hot putter to secure another top 10 finish, but the question remains: does he have what it takes to pull off the feat and claim victory? Although the odds are against him, the possibility of a spectacular round is not out of the question. If he can fire a 61, the impossible could become reality. Anticipation is building, and all eyes are on how Scheffler will tackle the final challenge at Riviera.
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