Players Championship R3: Wyndham Clark and Xander Schauffele tee up Sunday duel

Xander Schauffele leads Wyndham Clark by one heading into the final round of the Players Championship on the PGA Tour.

16 Mar 2024

Players Championship R3: Wyndham Clark and Xander Schauffele tee up Sunday duel

Players Championship round three leaderboard:

-17 X. Schauffele, -16 W. Clark, -15 B. Harman, -13 M. McNealy, M. Fitzpatrick, -12 S. Scheffler, S, Theegala, -8 N. Lashley, -9 T. Montgomery, H. Matsuyama, J.T. Poston

Selected others:

-9 L. Aberg, R. McIlroy, -8 S. Burns, -5 T. Fleetwood

Xander Schauffele will take a one-shot lead into the final round of the Players Championship.

Schauffele tore round TPC Sawgrass on Saturday, firing a bogey-free 7-under 65 at the flagship PGA Tour event.

The American had trailed overnight leader Wyndham Clark by four strokes but snuck in front on the 13th hole after draining a 58 foot birdie putt.

Clark had to work hard for his 2-under 70. His round threatened to unravel at the famed 17th when he chunked his tee shot into the water.

But the 2023 U.S. Open champion managed to hold his nerve to save bogey after opting to re-tee his ball instead of heading for the drop zone.

Elsewhere, world number one Scottie Scheffler once again battled through the pain of a neck injury to card his 25th consecutive under par round.

Scheffler is by no means out after posting a 4-under 68 to reach 12-under but the defending champion will need some mistakes from the leaders.

Rory McIlroy (69) cut a frustrated figure once again as he struggled to gain any momentum.

But he managed to birdie his final three holes to reach a 9-under par total.

England's Matt Fitzpatrick is tied for fourth. He is looking for his first victory since the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship last October.

Reigning Open champion, Brian Harman, posted the best round of the day with a sublime 8-under 64.

What the players said...

Scottie Scheffler

"I was battling my swing a little bit today. But overall I'm pleased being able to get in the house in a few under par. I wouldn't say I'm out of the tournament. I'm definitely on the outside looking in, but a hot day tomorrow could go a long way."

Brian Harman

"This is my favorite PGA Tour event of the year. I love coming here. They treat us like kings when we show up. The golf course is incredible. I've been close a couple times. I'm really excited for tomorrow."

Xander Schauffele

"When you make 58-footers, you kind of get up-and-down on holes like 18 from the front rough, it takes a little bit of stress off certain parts of your game.

"All in all, it was a bit of a grind. Wind was swirling a little bit for both of us, for everyone out there on the back nine. Just was happy to stay in it and move on moving day."

Wyndham Clark

"I always think it's great to be in the final group and kind of know where everyone is at, so depending on what the circumstances are, you can either press it or play really smart coming in.

"But yeah, it's fun playing with Xander. He's so good, and his caddie, we're all good friends. It's going to be fun tomorrow. He has the upper leg right now, and I'm hoping tomorrow I bring it and we can have some fireworks and play some great golf."

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