Hideki Matsuyama secured a one-shot lead at the Phoenix Open, as he prepares for an exciting final round. The tournament, held at TPC Scottsdale in Arizona, saw Matsuyama finish his third round at 13-under 200. He shot a 3-under 68 on Saturday. Fellow Japanese golfer Ryo Hisatsune was in contention but dropped to 12 under after a bogey on the final hole.
Matsuyama’s Journey at the Phoenix Open
Matsuyama expressed joy at playing alongside Hisatsune in the final pairing. “It’s kind of a first today for Japan to have two Japanese pros play in a final group,” he mentioned. He hopes to maintain his lead and perform well in the final round.
Scottie Scheffler’s Comeback
Scottie Scheffler, the top-ranked golfer, is currently five shots behind Matsuyama. After a challenging first round, where he struggled with a score of 73, Scheffler rebounded with a 67. This comeback puts him in a favorable position as he aims to reclaim the title he won in 2022 after trailing by nine shots.
Key Competitors
- Ryo Hisatsune: Finished with a score of 12 under after shooting 70.
- Nicolai Hojgaard: Notched a bogey-free 65, finishing strong with five birdies in his last six holes.
- Maverick McNealy: Achieved a 65, impressively recording four birdies in a five-hole stretch.
- Si Woo Kim: Shot 66, bolstered by an eagle on the par-5 third hole, finishing at 12 under.
Matsuyama’s Round Summary
In his round, Matsuyama had birdies on three of his first four holes, including a notable 27-foot putt on the par-3 fourth. He faced some challenges, with bogeys on the second and fifth holes. Despite finishing strong with five straight pars, Matsuyama maintained the lead.
Looking ahead, Matsuyama’s solid performance, combined with Scheffler’s aggressive approach, sets the stage for an exciting final day at the Phoenix Open. As the tension builds, both competitors will be eager to secure the title.
