Scottie Scheffler (photo above) watches his tee shot on the ninth hole. —USA TODAY SPORTS
HOUSTON—World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler is among five players tied for the lead after the third round on Saturday of the Texas Children’s Houston Open after shooting a four-under-par 66 despite a double bogey halfway through his back nine at Memorial Park Golf Course.
Trying to become the first player since Dustin Johnson in 2017 to win three straight Professional Golfers’ Association (PGA) Tour titles, Scheffler takes a 201 aggregate going into Sunday’s final round where he has the most experience and poise among those tied for the lead.
England’s David Skinns, who shot a bogey-free 65 in his debut in the event, Germany’s Stephan Jaeger (66), Argentina’s Alejandro Tosti (68) and Belgium’s Thomas Detry (67) are tied with Scheffler.
Reigning champion Tony Finau, who led after two rounds, shot a 72 to fall into a tie for ninth trailing the leaders by three. He had tied the tournament scoring record for the second time with a 62 on Friday.
Mar 30, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Scottie Scheffler (USA) drives from the eighth tee during the third round of the Texas Children’s Houston Open golf tournament. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-USA TODAY Sports.
Scheffler carded eight birdies in an adventurous round marred by two bogeys and a double bogey on the par-3 15th when his tee shot landed in the water and he took a penalty stroke.
He recovered with birdies on Nos. 17 and 18.
“Feel like I played better than my score,” Scheffler said afterward. “I had a few shots I didn’t really get rewarded for, and somewhat punished for some pretty good shots. But overall, yeah, it was nice to finish with those two birdies. Hit a really good shot into 16, good shot into 17.
Still, Scheffler’s 66 was the FedExCup leader’s 31st consecutive round at par or better that dates back to an even-par 70 in the final round of the 2023 Tour Championship.
Skinns posted three birdies on the front nine and two on the back. —Reuters