Thomas Overtakes Scheffler, Builds 1-Shot Lead at Challenge \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Justin Thomas delivered a stellar third-round performance at the Hero World Challenge, firing a 6-under 66 to take a one-shot lead over Scottie Scheffler. Using a 46-inch driver, Thomas led the field in driving distance and sank clutch putts on the back nine to maintain his edge. Tom Kim surged with a spectacular 62, leaving him just two shots back heading into Sunday’s final round at Albany Golf Club.
Hero World Challenge Day 3 Quick Looks
- Thomas’ Long Driving Success: 46-inch driver powers him to field-leading distance stats.
- Clutch Putting: Critical birdie and par saves keep Thomas ahead of Scheffler.
- Scheffler’s Missed Chances: Costly bogey on 13th and missed birdies on 14th and 15th.
- Tom Kim’s Epic 62: Twelve birdies put Kim within two shots of the lead.
- Final Round Preview: Thomas, Scheffler, and Kim set for a thrilling showdown.
Deep Look
Justin Thomas Takes Lead with Clutch Play at Hero World Challenge
A New Weapon in Thomas’s Arsenal
The 46-inch driver, which Thomas had previously only used for practice, was a game-changer at Albany Golf Club. The longer shaft gave Thomas extra speed and distance, evident in his 361-yard bomb to eight feet on the par-4 seventh, which set up a key birdie. His success off the tee created multiple scoring opportunities, allowing him to stay ahead of a competitive field.
“I’m driving it great,” Thomas said post-round. “I’ve had a lot of confidence with it and been able to put myself in some good spots. It’s something I’ve worked on, and it’s nice to see it pay off.”
Turning Points on the Back Nine
Scheffler struggled to convert birdie chances on the reachable 14th and the par-5 15th, which allowed Thomas to extend his lead with a brilliant 343-yard drive and a precise approach to three feet on the 16th. Both players missed birdie opportunities on the closing hole, but Thomas’s consistent play kept him in control.
Scottie Scheffler’s Mixed Day
Despite his 69, Scheffler described his round as a mix of highs and lows. He made birdie on the 16th with an 18-foot putt to close within one but missed several other opportunities to pressure Thomas. “I had a stretch at 13, 14, and 15 where I felt like I lost a shot or two, but outside of that, I did a lot of really good things,” Scheffler said.
Tom Kim’s Record-Chasing Surge
Tom Kim dazzled with the round of the tournament, carding a blistering 62 with 12 birdies. Starting the week poorly with a 3-over six-hole stretch on Thursday, Kim rebounded with a strong 65 on Friday and followed it with near perfection on Saturday.
Kim appeared poised to set a new course record, threatening Rickie Fowler’s 2017 mark of 61. However, a double bogey on the par-3 17th, where he found a bunker and took two shots to escape, cost him a shot at history. Despite the setback, Kim sits at 15-under and just two strokes off the lead.
“It’s been a battle, but I’ve seen signs of improvement,” Kim said. “Today was fun, and now I’m in the mix.”
Other Contenders Still in the Hunt
Thomas Focused on Improvement, Not Just Winning
For Thomas, a win at the Hero World Challenge would not count as an official PGA Tour victory, but it holds significant value in his journey to regain top form. Since winning the PGA Championship in 2022, Thomas has struggled to consistently contend, making his strong performance at Albany a critical step forward.
“Feel like I’ve been seeing signs of improvement,” Thomas said. “I can’t control everybody else or what’s going on. I’ve just got to play as good as I possibly can and hope that it’s enough come Sunday.”
Final Round Showdown Awaits
With Thomas’s newfound power off the tee, Scheffler’s steady game, and Kim’s aggressive play, the final round at Albany Golf Club is set to deliver drama and excitement.
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