Wyndham Clark found himself back in a share of the third-round lead at the 50th Players Championship, with Xander Schauffele closing in behind. Schauffele’s missed birdie putt on the challenging par-5 16th paved the way for a dramatic turn of events on the famed finishing stretch of the course.
As Clark approached the tee box at the daunting par-3 17th, he confronted a scene teeming with spectators encircling the iconic island green. Despite the hole measuring a mere 123 yards, the pressure seemed to stretch the distance immeasurably, casting a palpable tension over his impending shot.
Before addressing the ball, Clark’s caddie, John Ellis, offered a crucial piece of advice: not to unleash a full swing with the sand wedge. Ellis feared that an overly aggressive approach might land the ball atop the green, leaving Clark with a treacherous putt back down the slope toward the water.
Taking heed of Ellis’ counsel, Clark made a couple of practice swings before executing his shot. However, the swing faltered, resulting in a chunked shot that plummeted short into the water hazard, squandering the opportunity.
Reflecting on the misstep, Clark acknowledged the error, attributing it to a momentary lapse rather than a lack of focus. This costly mistake allowed Schauffele to claw back from a four-stroke deficit after 36 holes, seizing a one-stroke lead as they headed into the final round.
Schauffele’s flawless round of 7-under 65, punctuated by a remarkable 58-foot birdie putt on the par-4 14th, positioned him as the frontrunner.
Meanwhile, reigning Open Championship victor Brian Harman trailed closely behind at 15 under after an impressive 8-under 64 performance on Saturday. Maverick McNealy and Matt Fitzpatrick trailed by four strokes at 13 under, with World No. 1 golfer Scottie Scheffler lurking at 12 under, determined to mount a challenge for the title.
Despite the setback on the 17th, Clark remained resolute, recognizing the need to regroup for the final push. Opting to replay his shot rather than proceed from the drop area, Clark demonstrated resilience, salvaging a bogey with a composed putt from 6½ feet. Both he and Schauffele navigated the demanding 18th hole unscathed, setting the stage for a gripping showdown on Sunday.
Looking ahead, Clark acknowledged the significance of the pivotal moment on the 17th, hopeful that his recovery and subsequent putt would prove decisive in the outcome of the tournament. With the final round looming, the stage is set for a thrilling conclusion to the 50th Players Championship, where every shot holds the potential to shape the destiny of the contenders.
