Planet Golf News for Sunday, June 16, 2024

Suddenly, It's the Bryson DeChambeau Show as He Leads U.S. Open Headed Into Final Round

Sunday, June 16, 2024

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Suddenly, It's the Bryson DeChambeau Show as He Leads U.S. Open Headed Into Final Round

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Bryson DeChambeau is putting on quite a show at the U.S. Open at Pinehurst No. 2, leading the pack by three shots after an impressive third round. He delivered power and birdies galore, bouncing back from a double bogey on the 16th with a birdie on the 17th. At seven under par, he's poised to capture his second U.S. Open title if he can maintain this momentum. However, hot on his heels are Rory McIlroy, Patrick Cantlay, and Matthieu Pavon, all three shots back and ready to pounce if DeChambeau slips up.

The unpredictable conditions at Pinehurst No. 2, known for its challenging greens, add an extra layer of excitement to the final round. It's not just about raw power here; strategy and patience are crucial. Rory McIlroy remains confident, believing he has a great chance to close the gap on DeChambeau. Despite a few missed opportunities, McIlroy’s solid play keeps him very much in the hunt.

Patrick Cantlay, known for his steady game, also remains within striking distance. His even-par 70 in the third round demonstrated his resilience and calm under pressure, key traits that will serve him well in the final round. Matthieu Pavon, another strong contender, will be looking to make his move and capitalize on any opening.

Meanwhile, Scottie Scheffler has had a rough time, recording his worst career streak with four consecutive rounds over par. Despite his struggles, Scheffler made the cut and continues to compete, drawing comparisons to Tiger Woods’ early career struggles. The golfing world is watching closely to see if Scheffler can rebound.

On the brighter side, Collin Morikawa had the best round of the day with a bogey-free 66, climbing back into contention. His superb putting and smart strategy have him positioned for a potential come-from-behind victory. Tony Finau and Ludvig Åberg both experienced dramatic triple bogeys on the 13th, which hurt their standings, yet they remain in the mix.

On the LPGA front, Grace Kim has surged ahead at the Meijer LPGA Classic with a remarkable six-under 66, giving her a five-shot lead heading into the final round. Kim is determined to secure her second career LPGA win after a strong performance. Lexi Thompson and Ally Ewing are close behind, with Thompson delivering one of her best rounds ever, tying for second place along with Allisen Corpuz, Narin An and Ryann O’Toole.

The Korn Ferry Tour also saw some thrilling action at the Wichita Open, where Sam Stevens leads heading into Sunday. His consistent play and strong rounds have put him in a great position to clinch the title at his home event.

As we head into the final rounds, all eyes are on DeChambeau at Pinehurst. Will he hold on to his lead and claim another U.S. Open victory, or will one of the chasers pull off a stunning comeback? The historic course promises a thrilling conclusion to this prestigious tournament. Stay tuned!

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Golf Tournaments happening this weekend

The U.S. Open - PGA Tour - Pinehurst, NC

Saturday was an eventful day at the U.S. Open at Pinehurst No. 2, filled with dramatic shifts and standout performances. Bryson DeChambeau emerged as the star of the day, shooting a 3-under 67 to secure a three-shot lead heading into the final round. DeChambeau's round was marked by six birdies and a double bogey on the 16th hole, but he quickly recovered with a birdie on the 17th. His consistent play and powerful drives have made him the man to beat, standing at 7 under par for the tournament.

Rory McIlroy, Patrick Cantlay, and Matthieu Pavon are tied for second place at 4 under par. McIlroy had a solid day but missed some key opportunities, while Cantlay and Pavon also struggled to keep pace with DeChambeau. Hideki Matsuyama and Ludvig Åberg are tied for fifth at 2 under par. Matsuyama had a rocky start but managed to finish strong, while Åberg's round was marred by a triple bogey on the 13th hole.

Tony Finau had a rollercoaster of a day, starting strong with birdies on the front nine but faltering on the back nine with a triple bogey on the 13th. He finished the day tied for seventh at 1 under par, alongside Tyrrell Hatton, who had a steady round with 15 pars and one birdie.

Collin Morikawa had the best round of the day with a bogey-free 66, keeping him in contention at even par, three shots behind DeChambeau. Other notable players include Scottie Scheffler, who described the course as a "mental torture chamber," and several others who are within striking distance but will need exceptional rounds on Sunday to challenge DeChambeau.

As the final round approaches, all eyes will be on DeChambeau to see if he can maintain his lead and secure his second U.S. Open victory. The historic Pinehurst No. 2 course has seen its fair share of surprises, and with a strong field of competitors, anything can happen.

U.S. Open Videos

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Meijer LPGA Classic for Simply Give - Belmont, MI

Saturday at the Meijer LPGA Classic for Simply Give in Belmont, Michigan, Grace Kim surged ahead with a remarkable performance. Kim birdied four of the final six holes, finishing with a six-under 66, which propelled her to a five-stroke lead at 17-under 199. This impressive round puts her in a strong position heading into the final day of the tournament.

Kim, who won her first LPGA Tour title last year in Hawaii, is determined to capitalize on this opportunity after losing a significant lead earlier this year in Los Angeles. Reflecting on her performance, Kim expressed her intent to stay focused and give her best effort in the final round, acknowledging the competitive field and the birdie-friendly nature of the course.

Ally Ewing, who was tied with Kim after the second round, had a more challenging day, shooting a 71. She is now tied for second place with Lexi Thompson, Anna Nordqvist, Allizen Corpuz, and Narin An. Thompson, the 2015 winner, had a spectacular run, playing the final six holes on the front nine in seven under par, finishing with a 65. Nordqvist also shot a 65, while Corpuz and An posted rounds of 68 and 69, respectively.

Other notable performances included Lilia Vu, who returned from a back injury to shoot a 68, placing her tied for 14th at nine under. Brooke Henderson, a two-time winner of the event, struggled with a 73, dropping her to a tie for 24th at seven under. Defending champion Leona Maguire is tied for 57th at three under after a 72.

The tournament has set the stage for an exciting final round, with Kim leading the charge and several top players in close pursuit. The major KPMG Women’s PGA Championship is on the horizon next week, adding an extra layer of anticipation to the conclusion of this event.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas Wichita Open - Korn Ferry - Wichita, KS

Saturday at the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas Wichita Open, the action at Crestview Country Club in Wichita, Kansas, was nothing short of thrilling. The Korn Ferry Tour event saw golfers battling it out for top positions, with Sam Stevens emerging as the leader heading into Sunday at -18.

Stevens played an exceptional round, demonstrating precision and skill that set him apart from the rest of the field. His performance has put him in a strong position to potentially clinch the title today. Patrick Cover records a 5-under 65 and sits solo second, in search of his first career victory. 36-hole co-leader Taylor Dickson posts a third-round 68 and sits in a three-way T3 alongside 18-hole leader Brandon Crick and second-year member William Mouw.

Overall, today's play was a showcase of high-caliber golf, with Sam Stevens leading the charge. Fans are eagerly anticipating tomorrow's action to see if Stevens can maintain his lead and take home the title.

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UPCOMING TOURS

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