SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Hideki Matsuyama surged ahead with a 3-under 68 in the third round of the WM Phoenix Open on Saturday, capturing a one-shot lead entering the final day at TPC Scottsdale‘s Stadium Course. Despite some late missed chances, Matsuyama finished at 13-under 200, holding a narrow advantage over a competitive field including Scottie Scheffler, who was five strokes behind after carding a 67.
Key Moments Define Matsuyama’s Round Amidst Tight Competition
Matsuyama’s round included a number of highlights alongside missed opportunities. After birdies on three of his first four holes—including a remarkable 27-foot putt on the par-3 fourth—he faced setbacks with bogeys on the second and fifth holes when unable to save par. Matsuyama managed to birdie both the par-4 10th and the par-5 13th, regaining momentum and establishing a one-shot lead. However, he parred the final five holes despite leaving a 15-foot birdie putt just on the edge at the 18th hole.
Ryo Hisatsune Falls Just Short After Strong Challenge
After 17 holes, Matsuyama was tied with fellow Japanese competitor Ryo Hisatsune, who had been relentless throughout the round. Hisatsune, who shot an impressive 70 to finish at 12-under for the tournament, faltered at the last hole with a bogey following a missed up-and-down from the greenside bunker. Hisatsune’s strong performance, including a birdie on the 17th, kept pressure on Matsuyama but ultimately left him one shot behind heading into the final round.
Strong Contenders Close Behind With Impressive Rounds
A number of other contenders joined Hisatsune at 12 under, creating a tightly packed leaderboard. Nicolai Højgaard delivered a bogey-free 65 marked by five birdies over his last six holes, showcasing resilience and precision. Maverick McNealy matched that 65 after an impressive stretch of four birdies in five holes on the back nine, keeping himself firmly in contention. Si Woo Kim added an eagle on the par-5 third hole as part of his 66, also putting him at 12 under and just a single stroke off Matsuyama’s lead.
Scottie Scheffler’s Steady Round Keeps Him in Contention
World number one Scottie Scheffler posted a 67, remaining within striking distance at eight shots behind Matsuyama after three rounds. Scheffler extended his impressive PGA TOUR cuts streak to 66 tournaments, demonstrating consistent form despite some uneasy moments. After a grip change between the second and third rounds appeared to aid his performance, he registered birdies on the eighth hole and holed out from a bunker on the 10th to begin a pair of consecutive birdies.
Scheffler’s round also featured a three-putt bogey on the 12th hole, but he quickly bounced back with birdies on both par-5s at 13 and 15. However, Scheffler stalled late, missing birdie attempts on the 16th and 18th holes, and failing to convert a par-saving up-and-down on 17, leaving him short of the leaders as the final round approaches.
Challenging Front Nines Mark Struggles for Key Players
The front nine proved slow going for both Matsuyama and Hisatsune as they attempted to separate themselves from the field. Matsuyama’s early birdies brought hope, but his bogeys slowed overall momentum. Hisatsune had an equally mixed front, balancing two birdies with two pars without gaining a decisive advantage. This gradual pace underscored the tension and uncertainty felt among the leaders in a crowded leaderboard heading toward the final day.
Significance and What to Expect Moving Forward
As Hideki Matsuyama holds a slender lead at the WM Phoenix Open, the stage is set for a tense final round with multiple players within reach of the title. Matsuyama’s role as a two-time champion at TPC Scottsdale adds additional intrigue, as does the presence of top-ranked Scottie Scheffler and emerging talents like Hisatsune, Højgaard, McNealy, and Kim. The close competition highlights the unpredictable nature of the tournament and raises anticipation for dramatic swings as the players navigate the challenges of the Stadium Course on Sunday.
This final round will likely have significant implications beyond the event itself, influencing FedExCup points and player momentum in upcoming signature events on the PGA TOUR. Fans and analysts alike will be watching to see if Matsuyama can leverage his experience to secure another victory or if challengers will seize the opportunity to rise under pressure at the WM Open.
