Recap of the 2023 PGA Tour Valor Pro-Am: Day Three Highlights

The 2023 PGA Tour Valor Pro-Am entered its final weekend with an electrifying atmosphere, pulling in large crowds and captivating golf fans around the globe. As the sun began to set on day three at the picturesque Green Valley Golf Club, it was young gun Sam Thompson who surged to the top of the leaderboard, carding a stunning 7-under-par 65, to hold a two-shot lead entering Sunday’s final round. The stakes couldn’t be higher, as players are not only competing for the coveted trophy but also valuable FedEx Cup points that could impact their seasons.

How the Round Unfolded

Starting the day with mild temperatures and a slight breeze, conditions were nearly perfect for scoring. The early groups took advantage of the calm weather, with players like David Kim and Lena Brooks setting the tone early with birdies on the front nine. However, momentum shifted dramatically in the mid-round when Sam Thompson made a sensational eagle on the par-5 8th hole, igniting a stretch where he made four consecutive birdies.

Thompson’s impressive play was met with applause from a growing gallery, as he quickly transformed a one-shot deficit into a commanding lead. The crowd erupted as he strung together remarkable approaches, showcasing pinpoint accuracy that will be crucial for the final round.

Conversely, former tournament champion Mark Stevenson struggled to maintain his early momentum. After starting strong with two birdies, a string of three bogeys in four holes dampened his spirits. Nonetheless, he managed to recover with a crucial birdie on the 15th, finishing the round two strokes off the lead at 16-under par.

As the day progressed, the excitement reached a peak when Thompson nailed a lengthy birdie putt on the 18th green, cementing his two-shot lead over the chasing pack.

Standout Performances

Besides Thompson’s dazzling round, there were several standout performances that put additional pressure on the leaderboard. David Kim, who also carded a 6-under 66, positioned himself as a strong contender with consistent play throughout the round. Notably, his short game was exceptional, as he made clutch up-and-downs that kept him in the hunt.

Lena Brooks, on the other hand, proved her mettle with a solid round that kept her in the conversation. Her ability to bounce back from adversity was evident when she made a crucial par save on the 14th hole, followed by a birdie on 15, finishing the day at 15-under par. With her strong mental game, she remains a prominent threat as the tournament heads into its final day.

Rookie standout Jeremy Wills also deserves mention, as he quietly climbed the leaderboard with a 4-under 68. His poise on a challenging track underscored his readiness to compete at this level, and he will undoubtedly carry that confidence into Sunday’s play.

Course and Conditions

The Green Valley Golf Club has served as a testing ground for many competitors this week. The layout demands precision and creativity, especially on the heavily contoured greens. The maintenance crew has kept the course in peek condition, with firm fairways and slick greens contributing to a few aborted approaches and three-putt frustrations for some players.

The weather played a significant role throughout the week, with rain early in the event causing softer greens. However, with sunny skies and minimal winds, the conditions on Saturday allowed for low numbers and exciting golf. Anticipated rain in the tournament’s final round could make conditions more challenging, adding intrigue heading into Sunday.

Standings Context

With the cut line established at 1-under par, the weekend saw some big names narrowly missing the opportunity to compete for the title. A significant number of players including past champions like Paul Adams found themselves exiting early, impacting their chances for valuable FedEx Cup points.

As we look toward the final round, the implications for players in terms of their standing in the FedEx Cup cannot be understated. With each point counting, every hole presents an opportunity for both movement up the board and valuable bonuses that could impact their entire season.

What to Watch Next

As the final round approaches, all eyes will be on Sunday’s tee times and pairings. The final group, featuring Sam Thompson, David Kim, and Mark Stevenson, will tee off at 2:50 PM EST, promising a showdown filled with tension and excitement.

Fans should also keep an eye on the next group, comprised of Lena Brooks and Jeremy Wills, who are both looking to create their own storylines as they hunt down the leaders. The atmosphere at Green Valley Golf Club is expected to be electric, with fans eager to witness who will take home the trophy and the highly sought FedEx Cup points.

With all this at stake, this final round will undoubtedly deliver drama, skill, and the enduring spirit of competition that golf fans have come to love.

Fan Discussion Question

As we prepare for an exhilarating final round, which player do you think has the best chance to come from behind and steal the title, and why?