Hero World Challenge R3: Scottie Scheffler fumes at golf reporter after sloppy finish

Scottie Scheffler was involved in an awkward exchange with a golf reporter after a late bogey cost the American a share of the 54-hole lead at the Hero World Challenge. 

The world number one, 29, hit eight birdies, one eagle and two bogeys in a third-round seven-under 65 to reach 16-under par.

Scheffler - who is chasing his third consecutive win at Tiger Woods' PGA Tour event in the Bahamas - had an outrageous day on the greens, holing more than 100 feet of putts. 

But he trails Austria's Sepp Straka by one stroke heading into the final round. The European Ryder Cup star hit two eagles in a flawless 64 to reach the summit. 

Sweden's Alex Noren, former Masters champion Hideki Matsuyama and this year's U.S. Open winner, J.J. Spaun, are also in contention. 

Scheffler would've likely entered the final few holes believing that he would, at the very least, held a share of the lead ahead of the final round. 

Instead, he played his final three holes in two-over. A closing bogey saw Scheffler yell multiple expletives on the green and chuck his golf ball into the water. 

For the second consecutive day, he had issues on the 16th hole. In round two he made a double-bogey and dropped one stroke today. 

A reporter asked Scheffler if the tee shot did not suit his eye. 

Scheffler replied matter-of-factly: "I hit the drive in the fairway today and I basically didn't have a stance, so you explain that one to me. 

"That's not really on me, it's just poor luck, which I think happens in the game of golf."

The reporter said: "Even like the drives the first two days just did not fit your eye the best or was it just bad swings?"

Scheffler replied: "So you're asking me about two drives I've hit in the last three days?

"Next question. That's ridiculous"

The Hero World Challenge is contested by only 20 players without a 36-hole cut. 

Scheffler won this event in 2024 and also 2023. 

He is attempting to win his seventh event of the season. 

Scheffler won the PGA Championship in May and dominated The Open in July at Royal Portrush to become a four-time major winner. 

Scheffler also picked up victories at the CJ Cup Byron Nelson, Memorial Tournament, BMW Championship and Procore Championship.

He is the favourite to beat Rory McIlroy to the player of the year award.