ByChristopher Powers
As his ball began drawing directly toward the water down the left side of the 18th hole at PGA West’s Stadium Course, Scottie Scheffler had to wonder if he had just blown a prime chance at his first tour victory. Sure, he still had one round to play, but a double bogey, or worse, can send you sailing down the leader board at the American Express.

Instead of making a splash, Scheffler’s ball hit a rock and bounced back to the center of the fairway, leaving him with 174 yards to the hole. Phew.

“I was just trying to hit a little draw 3-wood,” said Scheffler of his final tee shot of the third round. “And I drew it a lot. I’m not sure if it would have crossed [land] up there, so it was a great break, bouncing off the rocks like that. I guess take ’em where you can get ’em.”

Had his ball not crossed land, Scheffler would have had to hit his third from the tee, bringing double bogey or worse into play. But he was able to escape with par to cap off a bogey-free, six-under 66, which earned him a share of the 54-hole lead at 21-under 195. The incredibly lucky break could be the golf gods’ way of telling Scheffler, who is looking for his first tour win, that it’s his time.

“I think winning is pretty similar at all levels of the game. I feel like I’ve done a good job closing tournaments out, especially this last year on the Korn Ferry Tour. Looking back on that experience will definitely help tomorrow. Should be a fun day, and hopefully a rewarding one.”

Scheffler is tied for first with Andrew Landry, who managed to shoot a 65 on the Nicklaus Tournament Course despite hitting only 11 greens in regulation.

“I’ve been putting the ball absolutely beautifully,” said Landry, who ranks first in the field in putts per green in regulation. “Just kind of everything has been there, my wedge play has been there, I’ve hit some really good wedges. I went to a 54 degree this week instead of playing 52-60. It’s given me that 105, 115 number, just a lot better. And I’ve had [that distance] three or four times and I’ve hit every one of them to gimme range. The wedges are there, the putting is there, just need to go to it again tomorrow.”

Two years ago, Landry lost to Jon Rahm on the fourth extra hole in this event. If he finds himself in a playoff again on Sunday, it could be against Scheffler, who he knows well.

“I’m just going to go out, have some fun tomorrow. I’ve had some success here in the past and I know what to do. Scottie and I are friends, it’s funny, he’s a University of Texas guy and I live in Austin, so we’ve known each other a little bit. It’s going to be very comfortable out there tomorrow. I’m looking forward to it.”

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