Xander Schauffele and Collin Morikawa are tied for the lead at the PGA Championship after a thrilling Saturday filled with record-breaking scores and intense competition. Schauffele finished with a 3-under 68, overcoming a late double bogey with two birdies. Morikawa shot a 67, sinking a crucial 10-foot birdie putt on the 18th hole. Shane Lowry's impressive 62 set a major championship record at Valhalla.
The leaderboard is tightly packed, with Schauffele and Morikawa leading at 15-under 198, just one shot ahead of Sahith Theegala. The final round promises endless possibilities, with 15 players within five shots of the lead. Notably absent from the top contenders is Scottie Scheffler, who struggled with a 73 after a tumultuous day that included an arrest and brief jail time.
Lowry's stellar performance, highlighted by making 161 feet of putts, ended with a near-miss on a birdie putt for a 61. Bryson DeChambeau and Viktor Hovland are just two shots behind the leaders at 13-under. Justin Rose is three shots back, while a group of players at 10-under includes Justin Thomas.
A total of 15 players are at 10-under or better, setting a new record for the most players within that range after 54 holes in major championship history. The scoring average for the third round was 69.55, just shy of the PGA Championship record set in 2018.
Schauffele, the Olympic gold medalist, is aiming for his first major win, having been in the lead or tied in six of his last seven rounds. Morikawa, with two majors already at age 24, is also in contention with a solid performance.
The field is stacked with major champions and top contenders, setting the stage for an exciting final round. Theegala's late surge added to the drama, showcasing the depth of talent vying for the Wanamaker Trophy.
With a crowded leaderboard reminiscent of past major championships, the final round promises intense competition and the potential for any player to make a move towards victory.
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