2023 Phoenix Open Recap: Dezis Goes Bogey-Free to Match Career Low

In a thrilling third round of the 2023 Phoenix Open, amateur golfer Dezis delivered a standout performance, completing his round without a single bogey and matching his personal career low with a remarkable 65. Currently sitting at the top of the leaderboard, Dezis has become the dark horse in a tournament filled with seasoned PGA Tour veterans. With today’s round showcasing both skill and determination, the stakes have never been higher as players vie for one of golf’s most coveted titles.

How the Round Unfolded

The day began under bright blue skies and mild temperatures, ideal golfing conditions that saw the course, TPC Scottsdale, in pristine condition. As players began to tee off in the early morning light, there was a palpable energy among the competitors, many of whom struggled on the greens yesterday but were eager for redemption.

Dezis kicked things off with an impressive birdie on the par-4 first hole, setting a confident tone for the round. The momentum shifted, however, during the previous day’s play when several notable frontrunners lost their footing, struggling primarily due to challenging pin placements and subtle winds that played tricks with club selections.

The back nine saw crucial moments as Dezis clung to his lead. He managed to drain a long putt for birdie at the challenging 13th, which proved pivotal. Meanwhile, contenders like reigning champion Brooks Koepka, who had been lurking closely behind, found themselves needing to make up ground, resulting in a nail-biting finish.

With the sun setting over the horizon, Dezis reached the par-5 17th, where a clinical approach landed just inches from the pin, setting him up for another birdie. The roar from the gallery echoed as he sunk the putt and moved to a comfortable two-shot lead heading into the final round.

Standout Performances

While Dezis was undoubtedly the star of the day, he was not the only player making waves. Brooks Koepka managed to claw back into contention with a steady round of 67, showcasing his renowned closed-in accuracy and impressive power off the tee. A vital birdie at the par-3 16th helped keep him within striking distance, though he would ultimately round out the day needing to capitalize on any slips from the leader.

Rounding out the top of the leaderboard were veteran golfers like Patrick Cantlay and Scottie Scheffler, both of whom displayed their shot-making skills with solid rounds of 68 and 69, respectively. An excellent performance from the former world number one, Cantlay found himself catching fire mid-round with three birdies in four holes, making his presence felt as he climbed the ranks.

On the other end of the spectrum, notable players like Justin Thomas and Rory McIlroy, expected to contend for the title, faced challenges. Both struggled with their putters today, finishing in the middle of the pack and failing to make significant gains on the leaderboard.

Course and Conditions

TPC Scottsdale proved to be both a challenge and an opportunity for the players today. The lush fairways and fast greens were a treat but presented a unique set of challenges on the undulating surfaces. Wind conditions were negligible today, compared to the gusty conditions of the earlier rounds, allowing for more aggressive shot selections.

The course setup featured several tight pin placements, testing the precision of even the best players. Notably, holes like 14 and 15 posed difficulties, often resulting in missed greens and challenging up-and-downs. This was especially evident with higher-ranking players who struggled to get closer to the flag.

Standings Context

As the tournament heads into the final round, the cut line held steady at 2-under par, eliminating several big names from contention, including the likes of Phil Mickelson and Xander Schauffele, who failed to make the weekend. This paves the way for emerging stars like Dezis and seasoned players who have remained in the hunt.

With FedEx Cup implications in play, each stroke taken in the final round becomes even more crucial. The top finishers here are looking to maximize their points, especially with the playoffs on the horizon. The excitement is palpable as the tournament draws closer to a thrilling conclusion.

What to Watch Next

The final round will tee off early tomorrow morning, with tee times beginning at 7:30 AM MT. The marquee pairing to watch includes Dezis alongside Brooks Koepka, both of whom are expected to draw significant attention from the galleries. Their contrasting styles—Dezis with his strategic play and Koepka with raw power—should make for an electrifying showdown as they navigate the twists and turns of TPC Scottsdale.

Among other notable pairings, Patrick Cantlay will be keeping an eye on the leaderboard as he trails closely behind, looking for a breakout performance to secure the title.

Final-round setups on this challenging course will require both mental fortitude and tactical acumen, making it essential for competitors to execute their game plans flawlessly.

Will Dezis hold onto his lead against the experienced PGA Tour players breathing down his neck? The excitement is sure to build as the final round unfolds.

As we look ahead to Sunday, what will be the deciding factor for the champion in the final round? Will it be the putting game, ball-striking ability, or the mental game under pressure? Share your thoughts below!