Sam Burns Shines at Challenging AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am
PEBBLE BEACH, Calif. – The AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am presented a formidable challenge this Saturday, with gusty winds wreaking havoc on the greens. Despite the difficult conditions, Akshay Bhatia surged ahead with a remarkable 4-under 68, securing a two-shot lead. However, the tournament remains wide open, with a dramatic final round looming.
A Day of Dramatic Shifts on the Leaderboard
Starting times for the final round were moved up an hour in anticipation of even stronger winds and rain, promising a grueling test for the players. Despite the challenging conditions, low scores were still attainable. Collin Morikawa, a two-time major champion seeking his first win in two years, delivered a stunning performance with 11 birdies in a round of 62, catapulting him up the leaderboard into a three-way tie for second alongside Jake Knapp (66) and Sepp Straka (67).
Bhatia’s Early Dominance and Late Struggles
Bhatia started the third round sharing the lead with Ryo Hisatsune and quickly established a commanding presence. Capitalizing on the favorable conditions of the opening seven holes – a key strategy at Pebble Beach – he carded six birdies in just seven holes. However, the strengthening wind proved to be his undoing later in the round, leading to bogeys on the 12th and 17th holes. Despite the late struggles, Bhatia finished at 19-under 197.
Knapp and Burns Deliver Eagle-Filled Rounds
The day was filled with spectacular shots and unexpected turns. Jake Knapp, known for his smooth swing, began and ended his round with eagles, holing out from 130 yards on the first hole and approaching within 12 feet for eagle on the 18th. Sam Burns also made a statement, holing out for eagle on the first hole, briefly taking the lead. His round included a remarkable chip-in from a greenside bunker, rattling the pin and dropping for birdie.
McIlroy and Scheffler Face Challenges
Defending champion Rory McIlroy faced a frustrating day, plagued by costly errors, including a triple bogey and a double bogey. Scottie Scheffler, aiming to extend his impressive streak of top-10 finishes to 18, managed a bogey-free 67, but remains eight shots behind the leader.
Weather Woes and Perseverance
The challenging weather conditions led to some bizarre scenes, with players facing unexpected obstacles. Jacob Bridgeman played from the beach on the 18th, while Min Woo Lee encountered difficulties in the hedges, ultimately taking a penalty drop. These challenges underscored the need for resilience and adaptability.
Looking Ahead to Sunday
“It’s not going to be pretty at all times. You’re going to have some funky stuff happen and just have to deal with it,” Knapp commented, highlighting the mental fortitude required to navigate the unpredictable conditions. The final round promises to be a thrilling showdown, with players battling not only each other but also the elements. For Morikawa, this tournament represents a crucial opportunity to regain his form and confidence after a recent slump.
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