After three rounds of the PGA Tour’s first playoff occasion, the FedEx St. Jude Championship, Hideki Matsuyama holds a five-shot benefit.
He signed for a 6-under 64 with 5 birdies, an eagle and one lone bogey.
For the reason that begin of this event, Matsuyama’s putter has been considered one of his greatest golf equipment within the bag. Saturday’s spherical noticed him rank No. 10 within the area in strokes gained, placing at +1.804.
He leads the sector by way of three rounds of play, selecting up virtually seven strokes (+6.893) on the placing inexperienced alone. He’s additionally No. 1 in strokes gained complete (+14.142).
“I did put a brand new putter within the bag, and it’s been behaving very properly,” Matsuyama stated after his spherical on Saturday. “I’ve had the putter for some time, and I assumed it could be a superb week to debut that putter. However I’d change putters tonight even.”
It’s a Scotty Cameron putter, however he didn’t know precisely what mannequin.
Matsuyama began his spherical with a birdie on the primary however coughed up his solely shot of the day on No. 2.
The par-5 third was an enormous momentum booster for the 2024 Bronze medalist. He landed his second shot 14 ft, 11 inches from the opening, and sank the putt.
“It was essential,” he stated. “Bought the momentum again after which carried on with the spherical. That was huge.”
His placing is a large issue, however his strategy recreation has helped him simply as a lot. He’s No. 2 in strokes gained by way of 54 holes, selecting up +6.849 photographs.
The Japanese golfer is coming into Memphis after his bronze efficiency in Paris, and it appears he’s peaking on the proper second this season.
Nonetheless, it has rather a lot to do with lastly feeling wholesome.
“I don’t know if that has something to do with the outcomes,” Matsuyama stated about being wholesome. “Once more, hopefully, we will keep on and do the identical. We’ve got good and unhealthy days, however right now I performed properly, and once more. Hopefully, that may carry over to tomorrow.”
Whereas the eagle at No. 3 massively boosted his confidence, saving par on 17 may need been crucial shot of the day.
Matsuyama made an unbelievable up-and-down to arrange the par save.
TPC Southwind isn’t taking part in simple. The wind offers gamers rather a lot to consider, however for Matsuyama, it doesn’t trouble him.
“The course does play harder, particularly within the wind,” Matsuyama stated. “It’s drying out. I am unsure what the situation goes to be tomorrow, however hopefully, I can put together properly for it and do the identical.”
Matsuyama holds a five-shot lead over solo second place, and PGA Tour rookie Nick Dunlap sits at 12-under total. He shot a 4-under 66 to maneuver up 4 spots on the leaderboard.
They’ll tee off within the last group at 1:40 p.m. ET on Championship Sunday.
Savannah Leigh Richardson is a golf employees author for SB Nation’s Enjoying By means of. For extra golf protection, comply with us @_PlayingThrough on all main social platforms. You can even comply with her on Twitter @SportsGirlSL and Instagram @golf_girl_sl.
