CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The golf ball soared through the air, and Scottie Scheffler`s stance remained perfectly still as he watched its flight. The tee shot peaked and then descended precisely onto the green on the 14th hole, bouncing forward and rolling like a well-struck putt.
From an impressive 304 yards out, Scheffler positioned the ball just 2 feet, 9 inches from the hole. The subsequent eagle putt was merely a formality, bringing him level for the lead at 8-under. Yet, the shot itself served as a clear declaration across Quail Hollow Country Club, echoing a familiar theme in professional golf over the past two years: Scottie Scheffler is inevitable.
For the tournament`s initial two days, the leaderboard showcased a diverse mix of unexpected names. However, when Scheffler eagled the 14th on Saturday and followed with birdies on the 15th, 17th, and 18th holes to reach 11-under and establish a commanding three-shot lead after 54 holes, it felt like the natural order of things being restored. Even this major, with its unique and challenging start, eventually gravitated towards its predictable center.
Scheffler commented on his mindset, stating, “I try to focus as much as I can on executing the shot, and there`s things out there that you can`t control… All I can do is try to hit the shot I`m trying to hit. That`s what I`m focused on out there. Some days it works better than others.”
As Scheffler ascended the leaderboard, his perceived inevitability was reinforced by the struggles of his competitors. Quail Hollow`s demanding Green Mile stretch claimed its share of contenders; Jon Rahm bogeyed the 17th, while Bryson DeChambeau recorded a double bogey on the same hole.
“I`m three back with one round to go in a major championship,” DeChambeau said upon completing his round. “So, I can`t complain too much.”
“I`m assuming I`ll be at least one shot back starting tomorrow,” shared two-time major champion Rahm after finishing Saturday at 6-under. “But that`s a great position.”
The challenge for them was that the world`s number one player wasn`t finished and proceeded to play the Green Mile in 2-under par. Consequently, Rahm will begin Sunday five shots behind Scheffler, and DeChambeau will need to make up a six-shot deficit.
Three players are currently closer to Scheffler heading into Sunday than Rahm. Alex Noren, 42, who is recovering from a hamstring injury, sits three shots back and is paired with Scheffler. Noren tied for 51st the previous week. Davis Riley and J.T. Poston, both at 7-under, are in the following group. Riley has shown glimpses of form this season with two top-10 finishes but also has five missed cuts and has missed more cuts in majors than he has made. Poston`s best finish in a major championship is 30th.
Put simply, the players immediately behind Scheffler on the leaderboard do not possess the championship pedigree of Rahm and DeChambeau. This is precisely why, despite their larger deficits, Rahm and DeChambeau remain arguably Scheffler`s most significant potential threats, both seeking their third major title.
For Rahm, this event marks his most promising chance to add to his major tally since joining LIV Golf. Winning the PGA Championship would not only secure his third major but also position him to potentially complete the career Grand Slam at The Open Championship in Northern Ireland`s Royal Portrush. A smiling Rahm expressed his intense desire, stating, “It`s hard to express how hungry I may be for a major, about as hungry as anybody can be in this situation. Very happy to be in position again.”
Rahm has played steadily this week, leading the field in strokes gained off the tee and ranking 20th in approach play. However, he has struggled around the greens, losing nearly a full stroke. While this represents one of his most complete major performances since his 2023 Masters victory, it might still lack the necessary firepower to overcome Scheffler`s lead.
DeChambeau`s third round prevented him from entering Sunday just one or two strokes off the lead, as might have seemed likely earlier. This course generally suits his game, and his driving has been strong. But similar to his challenge at Augusta, his approach play (54th in the field this week) could once again cost him a genuine opportunity for a third major championship.
“All I can do is control what I can control, and if I go out and shoot 6-, 7-under, that`s what I`m focused on doing,” DeChambeau remarked, adding a caveat, “Not that that`s what`s going to do it, but you never know.”
In the period leading up to Quail Hollow, much of the spotlight was deservedly on McIlroy, who had just achieved a historic, career-defining victory at the Masters by completing his Grand Slam. Yet, Scheffler, who had won his previous tournament start by eight shots, was still considered a co-favorite and remains the established benchmark in the sport.
Scheffler`s rounds of 69 and 68 over the first two days felt almost effortless. His capacity to score under par even when not performing at his absolute peak has become second nature. The exceptionally high standard he has set means that anything less than a top-10 finish is noteworthy. Despite six top-10 finishes this season, there was some discussion about the state of his game before his win two weeks ago, purely because he hadn`t won sooner. While occasionally showing on-course frustration, Scheffler has consistently emphasized patience.
Explaining his perspective on the sport, Scheffler said, “Golf is not really a game where you can force things. If you are playing a sport like football or basketball, you can force things based on adrenaline or pushing people out of the way or whatever it is… Golf, I feel like it`s more letting the scores come to you, and you have to be a lot more patient, I think, in this sport than you do other ones, especially over the course of a 72-hole tournament.”
This week, Scheffler has demonstrated why he is the world`s best player, ranking within the top 10 in strokes gained off the tee, approach, and around the green. Crucially, his putting has been solid (36th in the field), and his remarkable ability to recover from mistakes appears to be in top form. This combination is precisely the blueprint that led to his two Masters victories.
Scheffler`s focus remains internal: “I`m out there to get the most out of myself and try to beat up on the golf course, and at the end of the day, that`s what I`m focused on. If I`m thinking about what somebody else is doing out there, that`s not going to be a good thing for me.”
On Sunday, Scheffler will have the luxury of concentrating solely on his own game. While his pursuers may claim they will only focus on controlling their own performance, they understand the reality: for them to have any chance of lifting the Wanamaker Trophy, the seemingly unstoppable force that is Scottie Scheffler must somehow falter.