Hideki Matsuyama is on track to win his third WM Phoenix Open title at TPC Scottsdale. After carding a 68 on Saturday, he sits alone at the top as he heads into the final round. His strong performance started with a 64 on Friday, showcasing his steady play on moving day. Early in his round, he matched three birdies with two bogeys but managed to settle down and navigate the course smoothly.
The key to Matsuyama’s success so far has been his impressive putting. Traditionally a weakness, putting seems to be his strength at Scottsdale, where he ranks in the top 10 for strokes gained putting. His comfort on the greens is evident, as he’s been making long putts consistently and excelling from inside ten feet.
Despite his solid play, Matsuyama’s score wasn’t as low as his team hoped, which tightened the competition. Nine players are trailing him closely, all eager to capitalize on any chance to outshoot him on Sunday. Players like World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, who is a two-time Phoenix Open winner himself, are gearing up to challenge for the title. After a slow start in round three, Scheffler managed a 67, now sitting at 8 under and five shots behind Matsuyama.
Sunny weather is expected again, but late winds could create challenges during the final round. Players who tee off earlier might be in a better position to create pressure on those in later groups. Scheffler needs a fast start to stay competitive; his early game has been inconsistent throughout the tournament.
Matsuyama has a strong track record when leading into the final round. He has converted all five previous single-lead opportunities into victories, as noted by golf analyst Justin Ray. This sets a high hurdle for the chasers.
Among those contenders are Nicolai Højgaard, Maverick McNealy, Si Woo Kim, and Ryo Hisatsune, all closely trailing Matsuyama. Their confidence is backed by solid performances throughout the tournament, with some shooting impressive rounds to jump into contention. For instance, Højgaard, McNealy, and Michael Thorbjornsen each fired low scores of 65 on Saturday, while others followed closely behind with 66s.
As fans look forward to an exciting final round, the top of the leaderboard is packed with talented players who’ve shown great form. Scheffler’s experience could be crucial, especially if he finds his rhythm early on Sunday.
In terms of betting odds, Matsuyama remains favored along with Kim and McNealy, indicating that while he leads, the competition is fierce. The stakes are high, and Sunday promises to be thrilling, with potential upsets on the horizon.
For the latest golf insights, see Justin Ray’s analysis on Matsuyama’s chances [here](https://x.com/JustinRayGolf/status/2020280122440577209).
Source link
WM phoenix open,leaderboard,scores,schedule,coverage,pga tour,golf,scottie scheffler,si woo kim,hideki matsuyama,Golf
