UK: 18+ USA: 21+ | Begambleaware.org | T&Cs apply | Play Responsibly
World number two, Scottie Scheffler, and world number one, Rory Mcilroy, have played themselves into contention at the Arnold Palmer Invitational after both men made a move on day three in Florida. Both men shot rounds of 68 which earned them four shots on the man at the top of the leaderboard, Kurt Kitayama.
Kitayama, also the leader after two rounds, had a rollercoaster third round and said afterwards that he was “proud” of how he had fought to finish even par for the day. As the leader, he goes into Sunday in pole position, however, he will need to show more consistency around Bay Hill during his final round if he is to come out on top – particularly with the number of players now breathing down his neck.
Viktor Holland was the biggest mover of the day, shooting up 18 places into second place after a sensational round of 66. It has left him in second place just one shot behind Kitayama, alongside Scheffler. Micilroy is a little further down the leaderboard in fifth place but is only three shots behind the leader and two behind Scheffler and Holland.
It was another day to forget for Jon Rahm on Saturday, however. Given the Spaniard’s form this season, which has seen him win three tournaments already, two back-to-back rounds of over-par will frustrate him immensely. A round of 76 on Saturday means the 28-year-old is now playing to cling on to his top spot in the world rankings despite having a two-shot lead after the opening round.
Number one battle summed up at Bay Hill: not just swinging month-to-month or even tournament-to-tournament, now it’s day-to-day. Thursday, Rahm is king. Today, Scheffler or Rory may be. Best these players can hope for is permanence of the McIlroy kind. Dominance? Forget about it.
— Ben Coley (@BenColeyGolf) March 5, 2023
Experience could be key
Speaking after his round of 68, Mcilroy was delighted with the fact he managed to play the entire 18 holes without dropping a shot. After playing at this golf course a number of times throughout his career, the Northern Irishman believes he knows what’s needed if he is to be crowned the winner on Sunday evening. He said:
“I think any time you can go bogey-free on the weekend at Bay Hill you’re doing something right. I’ve got myself right into the tournament, into the thick of things for tomorrow.”
Another man with invaluable experience at the event is Scottie Scheffler. The 26-year-old won it last year as part of his freakish run of form which resulted in him winning the Masters in April. As he is now just one shot behind Kitayama, he is arguably the favourite going into Sunday. Speaking after his third round, the world number one told reporters:
“Should be another fun one. That’s what’s exciting about our new schedule. I think we’re going to have a lot more of this stuff. I’m sure Viktor’s looking to beat me this year and I’m looking to do the same. There are a lot of talented guys on the leaderboard, though. I’m not going to be too focused on anybody else other than myself going into tomorrow.”
Sunday tee times
The action gets underway in Florida at 12:15 pm UK time. However, it won’t be until much later that any of the contenders tee off. Rory Mcilroy will start his final round 6 pm UK time alongside his playing partner for the day, Harris English. Scottie Scheffler will then tee off ten minutes later before the final grouping of Viktor Holland and Kurt Kitayama tee off at 6:20 pm UK time.
Subscribe to Punditfeed on Google News for all the latest updates from the world of sports!
