Round 3 Recap: 2026 AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am

As the sun began to set over the breathtaking Monterey Peninsula, Round 3 of the 2026 AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am delivered a dramatic mix of tension and excitement. With birdies and eagles lighting up the leaderboard, it was Scottie Scheffler who emerged as the frontrunner, finishing the day at 15-under par. This result puts him in prime position as the tournament heads into its final round, but several players are still within striking distance, promising an exhilarating finish in one of golf’s most cherished events.

How the Round Unfolded

Perfect weather greeted players for the third round, with clear skies and mild temperatures around 70 degrees Fahrenheit. The coastal breeze, however, picked up slightly throughout the day, creating challenging conditions, especially for those teeing off in the afternoon.

The momentum shifted dramatically on the back nine, where Scheffler made a spirited charge. After a quiet front nine that saw him at even par, Scheffler made his move, carding four birdies in five holes starting at the 12th. Defending champion Patrick Cantlay, who also started the day at 12-under, had his own surge but faltered on the 17th with a costly bogey that allowed Scheffler to take a two-shot lead into the final round.

Key stretches also came from upcoming stars like Sam Burns and Will Zalatoris, both of whom delivered matching rounds of 67, climbing the leaderboard and keeping the pressure on the leaders. As fans watched their favorite players navigate the stunning yet often treacherous greens of Pebble Beach, it became clear that every stroke counted.

Standout Performances

Scottie Scheffler’s performance was the highlight of the day. His ability to adjust to the unpredictable wind conditions proved vital as he showcased remarkable iron play, finding greens in regulation consistently. With a total of five birdies against just one bogey, Scheffler also demonstrated excellent putting, needing just 27 putts in the round.

Patrick Cantlay’s tenacity was on full display as well. Starting the day strong, he lit up the front nine with three birdies but struggled towards the end, ending the round at 13-under. Despite the setback, Cantlay remains a formidable contender going into Sunday.

Other notable performances included Sam Burns and Will Zalatoris, who both had standout rounds. Burns showcased his exceptional drive, averaging 320 yards off the tee, and capitalizing on opportunities as he darted into the top five. Zalatoris, known for his sharp ball-striking, played a steady round while also making crucial putts to maintain momentum.

Course and Conditions

While Pebble Beach Golf Links is routinely celebrated for its stunning seaside views, the course presented some unique challenges this weekend. The firm, fast greens added a layer of complexity for players attempting to hold their approach shots. The changing winds also forced many to alter their strategies, with players needing to adapt quickly to fluctuations throughout the day.

Each hole presented its challenges, from the iconic 7th, where players must navigate a treacherous cliffside, to the long and daunting par-4 18th that can make or break a round. The smooth but slick greens demanded precision, and those who adjusted their putting technique to deal with the subtle breaks found greater success.

Standings Context

As the cut line fell at 1-under par, several prominent golfers, including the likes of Viktor Hovland and Tommy Fleetwood, narrowly made it through to play the final round. This not only adds a competitive edge but also demonstrates how challenging Pebble Beach can be, even for the world’s best.

Beyond the immediate drama of the tournament, the implications for the FedEx Cup standings are significant. Scheffler’s position at the top of the leaderboard will bolster his chances for valuable points, while Cantlay also stands to gain should he mount a strong final round.

What to Watch Next

As the excitement builds for the final round on Sunday, all eyes will be on tee times for the final group. Scheffler will look to fend off challenges from Cantlay, Burns, and others as he steps onto the iconic first tee at Pebble Beach. The leaders are set to tee off in the afternoon, ensuring that they will have the unpredictable wind conditions to contend with as the pressure mounts.

Additionally, spectators will want to keep an eye on pairings that could lead to compelling head-to-head matches, especially if any early players set a solid score that pressures the leaders.

Discussion Question: As golf fans eagerly anticipate the final round, which player are you rooting for to take home the trophy, and why?