Scottie Scheffler Needs Another Big Sunday To Win Tour Championship

Just last week, Scottie Scheffler was four shots behind the leader, Robert MacIntyre, heading into the final round. Scheffler was in the lead by hole number 7 and never looked back. He won the BMW Championship. This week, in the final tournament of the FedEx Cup season, Scheffler is once again four strokes behind. However, that is where the similarities end.

This time, he needs to jump past four golfers on his way to the win at the Tour Championship in Atlanta, GA. Scheffler will not be part of the final pairing this time, as co-leaders Patrick Cantlay and Tommy Fleetwood are at 12-under par, and will be in the last group. Russel Henley and Keegan Bradley are also ahead of Scheffler.

Scheffler Feels He Can Compete For the Win

Saturday’s third round at East Lake Golf Club brought frustration for the world’s top-ranked player. After starting the day five shots back, Scheffler began with a bogey on the notoriously difficult first hole. It was a trend that continued throughout the field, with only 10 birdies recorded on that hole all week.

The Texas native’s putting woes became painfully evident as he missed three birdie attempts from inside 10 feet. His visible frustration peaked when he spiked his putter into his bag after another missed opportunity. Despite the struggles on the greens, Scheffler managed to battle back with four birdies to post an even-par 70. “Overall, I didn’t shoot myself out of the tournament, which making bogeys around this place can very easily do that,” Scheffler said after his round.

​Cantlay’s Redemption Story Takes Shape

Cantlay’s charge up the leaderboard tells its own compelling story. The 2021 FedEx Cup winner hasn’t tasted victory since 2022, making his second 64 of the week all the more meaningful. His comfortable history at East Lake, where he captured both the Tour Championship and the $15 million bonus three years ago, seems to be working its magic again.

Four birdies in his final five holes, including clutch performances on the challenging 14th and 15th holes, showed the kind of clutch play that made him a household name. More than just prize money is at stake for Cantlay, who’s making a final push for a spot on the U.S. Ryder Cup team at Bethpage Black.

Fleetwood’s Heartbreak Pattern Continues

Fleetwood’s rollercoaster Saturday epitomized his season-long struggle to close out victories. Leading by three shots through 14 holes, the Englishman found the water on the par-3 15th, leading to a double bogey that temporarily handed the lead to Cantlay.

This marked the third time this season Fleetwood has held a 54-hole lead or co-lead on the PGA Tour. At the Travelers Championship in June, he surrendered a two-stroke advantage with four holes remaining. Just weeks ago in Memphis, another two-shot lead with three holes to play slipped away. Yet Fleetwood showed remarkable resilience, immediately bouncing back with birdies on 16 and 17 to regain a share of the lead. His ability to rebound from adversity will be tested once more as he seeks his first PGA Tour victory.

Bradley’s Captain’s Performance

Bradley’s 63 on Saturday wasn’t just the round of the day. It was a statement. The U.S. Ryder Cup captain’s hole-out eagle from 57 yards on the sixth hole highlighted a performance that should silence any doubts about his ability to balance leadership duties with competitive excellence.

Bradley’s charge into contention at 13-under par has effectively answered questions about whether the pressure of captaincy would affect his play. His weekend performance practically guarantees his spot on the team he’ll lead at Bethpage Black next month.

Sunday’s Championship Implications

The final round promises fireworks with multiple storylines converging. Scheffler, despite trailing by four shots, remains dangerous. His track record of closing out tournaments when given opportunities cannot be ignored, even with his recent putting struggles.

Weather conditions may play a factor after Saturday’s rain created challenging conditions early in the day. The leaders benefited from improved conditions later, but Sunday’s forecast could level the playing field once more

With $10 million and the FedEx Cup title hanging in the balance, East Lake Golf Club is poised to deliver the kind of dramatic finish the PGA Tour envisioned when it restructured its playoffs. Scheffler may not enter Sunday as the favorite, but counting out the world’s best player would be a mistake.