Scheffler, cool under pressure, closes in on Masters title

Golfing – The Masters – Augusta National Golfing Club – Augusta, Ga, U.S. – April 9, 2022 Scottie Scheffler of the U.S. reacts after chipping onto the 2nd eco-friendly all through the third spherical REUTERS/Brian Snyder

AUGUSTA, Ga., April 9 (Reuters) – Scottie Scheffler retained putting on a vest in among photographs all through a chilly third spherical at the Masters on Saturday and, if things continue to keep heading his way, could extremely properly go away Augusta National this week with a Environmentally friendly Jacket to keep heat.

Scheffler carded a one particular-below-par 71 that remaining him at nine below for the 7 days at Augusta Nationwide in which he will acquire a three-shot guide around Australian Cameron Smith into Sunday’s closing spherical in research of his initially key title.

“I had a ton of fun out there,” claimed Scheffler, who is the only player this 7 days with a few sub-par rounds. “I talked about at the beginning of the week that getting in rivalry is what is actually pleasurable, so becoming in the guide is fun.

“When I am in the guide, I’m attempting to keep in the guide and not genuinely overthink points just go out there and play golf.”

Scheffler showcased his capacity to hold his nerve at the par-four 18th the place he salvaged a bogey following an errant tee shot that developed a bit of a scene as numerous individuals ended up hunting for a ball that was eventually identified in a bush.

Immediately after taking an unplayable lie that resulted in a penalty stroke, Scheffler fired his 3rd shot from 237 yards away into the green where by it raced by the hole and off the again of the putting surface from where he coolly bought up and down.

“You dislike bogeying the final hole, but the way I bogeyed it, it for absolutely sure felt like a par,” explained Scheffler. “Undoubtedly a excellent complete to the working day. I am hunting forward to tomorrow.”

Competing this week for the to start with time since he took more than the globe selection just one position, the 25-12 months-outdated Scheffler was a photograph of calm even when he encountered difficulty throughout a round where by only 9 players managed to crack par.

But just as it appeared like Scheffler may possibly run absent with factors his nerve was place to the test as his direct, which at one particular issue on the entrance nine was six photographs, was minimize in 50 percent immediately after a four-hole stretch wherever he carded a few bogeys and a birdie.

At the par-3 12th, Scheffler’s ball observed the front bunker in advance of his 2nd shot skid previous the pin and rolled off the back of the inexperienced en route to a bogey.

He responded with a five-foot birdie at 13 but bogeyed the following two holes following lacking the environmentally friendly at the 14th and dropped a different shot with a three-putt at the 15th.

“I was taking part in some good golf, and exterior of a couple holes on the again nine, I could have had a definitely excellent spherical, but I nevertheless had a seriously great round today,” reported Scheffler.

“Anything in the purple quantities currently was heading to be strong, and I was fortuitous to do so.”

Scheffler arrived at Augusta Nationwide as the hottest player on the world soon after earning the first 3 PGA Tour wins of his vocation over his final five starts off and now is now on the cusp of the most significant earn of his lifetime.

“Ought to be a wonderful battle tomorrow,” reported Scheffler.

“Taking part in in the ultimate team is always so a great deal fun, so I am

seeking ahead to it.”

Reporting by Frank Pingue in Toronto Enhancing by Daniel Wallis

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