Nick Taylor’s late-round eagle, birdie keep Canadian in contention at the Memorial

Scottie Scheffler showcased his exceptional skills on a challenging day at the Memorial, where he felt like he was hitting all the right shots but only managed to card 13 straight pars. Despite the tough conditions at Muirfield Village, Scheffler displayed a powerful finishing kick, ultimately securing a one-shot lead with a stellar 4-under 68.

Reflecting on his round, Scheffler expressed pride in his performance, especially in the face of the demanding course. He acknowledged the difficulty of the course, noting that it was a tough challenge even when he felt like he was playing well through 13 holes. However, his impressive finish, highlighted by four birdies in the last five holes, propelled him to the top of the leaderboard.

Scheffler’s ability to maintain his composure and deliver when it matters most has been a defining trait in his recent success. With the 54-hole lead in his grasp, Scheffler has a remarkable track record of converting those leads into victories, a trend he aims to continue as he pursues his third win in his last four starts.

While Scheffler took the spotlight, other Canadian golfers also made their presence known at the Memorial. Nick Taylor from Abbotsford, B.C., found himself three shots behind after a challenging round but managed to stay within striking distance. Corey Conners of Listowel, Ont., and Taylor Pendrith of Richmond Hill, Ont., were also in the mix, showcasing their talent amidst a competitive field.

The competition at Muirfield Village remained intense, with five players within five shots of the lead heading into the final round. Ben Griffin, fresh off his maiden PGA Tour victory at Colonial, positioned himself as a formidable contender, despite Scheffler’s status as the world’s No. 1 player. Griffin remained confident in his ability to challenge Scheffler, emphasizing the need to stay aggressive and make birdies to keep pace with the leader.

As the tournament reached its climax, Scheffler’s uncanny ability to stay in contention and deliver under pressure came to the fore once again. Despite Griffin briefly reaching 10-under par, Scheffler remained focused on his game plan and capitalized on key opportunities to secure the lead. His clutch birdies down the stretch showcased his poise and determination, making him a tough opponent to overcome.

With players like Jordan Spieth also in the mix, the final round promised to deliver plenty of drama and excitement. The challenging conditions at Muirfield Village tested the players’ skills and resilience, setting the stage for a thrilling conclusion to the tournament. As the contenders prepared to chase down Scheffler, the stage was set for a captivating finish to an eventful week of golf.

As the leaderboard took shape and the tension mounted, Scheffler’s rivals knew they would have to bring their A-game to challenge the dominant leader. Despite the daunting task ahead, the players remained determined to give their best and seize any opportunity to make a late surge towards the top. With the outcome hanging in the balance, the final round promised to be a test of skill, strategy, and nerves as the players vied for victory at the Memorial.