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 one in all his greatest golf equipment within the bag. Saturday’s spherical noticed him rank No. 10 within the subject in strokes gained, placing at +1.804.
He leads the sector via three rounds of play, selecting up nearly seven strokes (+6.893) on the placing inexperienced alone. He’s additionally No. 1 in strokes gained whole (+14.142).
“I did put a brand new putter within the bag, and it’s been behaving very effectively,” Matsuyama stated after his spherical on Saturday. “I’ve had the putter for some time, and I assumed it is perhaps week to debut that putter. However I would 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 toes, 11 inches from the outlet, and sank the putt.
“It was essential,” he stated. “Obtained the momentum again after which carried on with the spherical. That was massive.”
His placing is a large issue, however his method recreation has helped him simply as a lot. He’s No. 2 in strokes gained via 54 holes, selecting up +6.849 pictures.
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.
Nevertheless, 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 now have good and unhealthy days, however immediately I performed effectively, 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 an important shot of the day.
Matsuyama made an unbelievable up-and-down to arrange the par save.
TPC Southwind shouldn’t be enjoying simple. The wind provides gamers rather a lot to consider, however for Matsuyama, it doesn’t trouble him.
“The course does play tougher, 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 effectively 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 general. He shot a 4-under 66 to maneuver up 4 spots on the leaderboard.
They’ll tee off within the remaining group at 1:40 p.m. ET on Championship Sunday.
Savannah Leigh Richardson is a golf workers author for SB Nation’s Enjoying Via. 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.
