Scheffler rallies after late double bogey to shoot 66 in Houston

Scottie Scheffler made double bogey from a seemingly good shot but responded with back-to-back birdies to finish with a 4-under 66 and tie for the lead at the Houston Open. He is aiming to become the first player since Dustin Johnson in 2017 to win three consecutive PGA Tour starts. Several players, including David Skinns, Stephan Jaeger, Thomas Detry, and Alejandro Tosti, are also vying for their first PGA Tour win. Tony Finau, who held a two-shot lead going into the third round, salvaged a 72 and remained two shots behind Scheffler.

Despite facing challenges during the round, Scheffler managed to stay in contention. He had a rocky moment on the par-3 15th hole when his tee shot spun back into the water after landing near the hole. This resulted in his second double bogey of the tournament. However, Scheffler responded with a birdie on the 16th and another great shot on the 17th to keep himself in the hunt. Tosti, also in the running for his first PGA Tour win, overcame a double bogey on the second hole and showed determination throughout the round.

U.S. Amateur champion Nick Dunlap, who turned pro after winning at The American Express in January, had a strong round with seven birdies to finish at 8-under, still in contention for the title. Other players at 8-under included Taylor Moore and Akshay Bhatia, both PGA Tour winners. Finau, who struggled with his putter during the third round, managed to stay within striking distance of the leaders despite facing challenges on the 15th and 16th holes.

The Houston Open saw a crowded leaderboard with multiple players tied for the lead. Scheffler’s recent victories at the Arnold Palmer Invitational and The Players Championship have put him in a strong position to continue his winning streak. However, the final round is expected to be challenging due to high winds, requiring players to stick to their strategies and control what they can on the course. The competition remains tight, with several players in contention for their first PGA Tour win, making the final round exciting and unpredictable.

As players head into the final round of the Houston Open, the leaderboard is tightly packed, with multiple players vying for the title. Scheffler, Finau, and other contenders will look to navigate the challenging course and conditions to secure the victory. With experience and determination on display, the stage is set for an exciting finish to the tournament as players battle it out for the top spot. Whoever emerges victorious will have to overcome adversity and showcase their skills under pressure to claim the title at Memorial Park.