Nassau, Bahamas – Scottie Scheffler may have a found a new secret weapon in his golf bag. The top-ranked golfer in the world put a new putter to the test at this week’s Hero World Challenge, and he’s showing some promising results that have him ranked third in the field in Strokes Gained: Putting. Scheffler had a stellar performance on Saturday, making two eagles, four birdies, and posting a 7-under 65 at Albany, landing him a three-stroke lead over Englishman Matt Fitzpatrick.
“It’s always nice to see some putts go in,” Scheffler expressed. “I’ve been rolling it really well. These greens can be tough to putt at times, but like I said, I’m rolling it good.”
Scheffler is using a heel-toe weighted blade from the lesser-known puttermaker Olson Putter Co. He attributes the success of the club to being similar to some of the equipment he has used in the past, providing consistency in lining up the ball and improved grip.
Scheffler’s performance on Saturday tied for the lowest score of the day alongside Fitzpatrick, boosting him to a 54-hole total of 16-under 200. Having not secured a win on the PGA Tour since the Players Championship in March, Scheffler remains hopeful as he looks forward to a strong back nine performance on Sunday to hold his lead.
Here are four more fascinating highlights from the third round of the Hero World Challenge:
Fitzy’s Chilled-out Approach
English golfer Matt Fitzpatrick is taking a relaxed approach to the tournament, and it seems to be working in his favor. He tied for the lowest score of the day and tournament with a 7-under 65 on Saturday, and credits his performance to staying stress-free and enjoying the laid-back atmosphere.
“I’m just having an enjoyable week,” Fitzpatrick emphasized. “Got friends here, my fiancée’s here. Yeah, we’re having a good laugh.”
Fitzpatrick is currently in solo second place and will be playing alongside Scheffler in the final group on Sunday. He attributes his impressive putting performance to a session with his coach, Phil Kenyon, who is known for his exceptional expertise in the world of putting.
The Putting Guru
Renowned putting coach Phil Kenyon has been lending his magic touch to the players at the Hero World Challenge, including Scheffler, Fitzpatrick, Max Homa, and Justin Rose. Fitzpatrick’s standout putting performance has positioned him at the top in Strokes Gained: Putting, a testament to Kenyon’s expertise. Scheffler, who was previously ranked No. 162 in SGP, has seen a significant improvement to third place in the rankings.
Viktor Hovland’s Missed Mark
Viktor Hovland’s bid to become the first three-time consecutive winner at the Hero World Challenge took a downturn this week. The FedEx Cup champion struggled, sitting 16 strokes behind Scheffler’s lead. His focus now is on improving his performance on the final day to end the tournament on a higher note.
Tiger Woods and Sam Burns Pairing
Sam Burns, a relatively unknown pro, will be paired with golf legend Tiger Woods on Sunday, recalling their memorable encounter in 2018. Burns defied expectations, outplaying Woods and delivering a memorable line that drew laughter from the crowd. As the final round tees off Sunday, expect a large crowd to follow Burns and the legendary Woods.
Daniel Miller takes readers to the greens with his passion for golf. He offers coverage of major golf tournaments, player achievements, and insights into the sport’s rich history, making him a trusted source for golf enthusiasts.
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