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

As the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am heads into the final stretch, Lee Hodges finds himself at the top of the leaderboard after an impressive showing on Moving Day. After 54 holes of competitive golf, Hodges holds a slight edge, but with fierce challengers close behind, the final round promises to be an exhilarating conclusion at one of golf’s most revered courses.

How the Round Unfolded

The third round at Pebble Beach Golf Links started with mild temperatures and clear skies, providing ideal playing conditions that saw many players take advantage of the weather. The course, known for its stunning coastal views, remained challenging but proved a tad more accommodating than usual, leading to an eventual scoring bonanza.

Early leaders like Scott Stallings and Justin Rose got off to solid starts but faced momentum shifts on the back nine. Strong performances on holes 6 through 9 appeared to set up a potential showdown, but a few errant drives and missed putts led to a tightening leaderboard. As the round progressed, Hodges started to find his rhythm, capitalizing on opportunities to sink birdies on 11 and 14, which shifted the pressure back onto his competitors.

The day was marked by standout moments, including a dramatic eagle from Mackenzie Hughes on the par-5 14th, spurring an electrifying surge of birdies from the chasing pack. However, it was Hodges’ consistency that ultimately kept him at the forefront, as he birdied 16 and 17 to finish the round with a 67, marking him as the player to chase come Sunday.

Standout Performances

Lee Hodges heads into the final round at -15, showcasing a blend of strategy and skill that has made him a fan favorite this week. Following closely behind, Hughes sits at -14 after a robust 66, demonstrating both power and finesse around the greens. Not to be overlooked, Stallings remains within striking distance at -13, despite a few miscues that left him frustrated on the back nine.

Further down the leaderboard, Rickie Fowler made a significant move, carding a 65 to reach -12, exhibiting flashes of his past form that golf enthusiasts are eager to see more of. Meanwhile, Justin Rose struggled with the putter, finishing the day at -11, but remains a contender with a full round still to play.

These performances illustrate the competitive nature of this tournament where every stroke counts, and the field knows that anything can happen at a place like Pebble Beach.

Course and Conditions

The weather throughout the tournament has been favorable, with temperatures averaging in the mid-60s and only a slight breeze to challenge players. Despite the course’s generally tough reputation, the conditions have allowed for lower scores than might be typical in mid-February. The greens have been receptive, and players are taking advantage of prime pin placements.

As the weekend approaches, reports suggest that the winds may increase slightly, making Sunday an even more challenging test for the final groupings. How players respond to potential changes in the weather can be a pivotal factor in the outcome.

Standings Context

As the round concluded, the cut line fell at -4, with several familiar names missing the weekend action, including notable veterans like Bubba Watson and Sergio Garcia. This miss reflects not only their inconsistent play but also the increased competitiveness of young stars looking to make a name for themselves.

For players like Hodges and Hughes, the stakes in terms of FedEx Cup points are high. Gaining valuable points could significantly affect their standings heading into the busy spring season.

What to Watch Next

As we gear up for the final round, the tee times have been announced, featuring enticing pairings such as Hodges and Hughes in the final group at 1:40 PM PST. Golf fans should keep an eye on how that group navigates the pressure of the final holes. Other key pairings include Stallings with rising star Will Gordon, who has been showing flashes of brilliance throughout the tournament.

With only one day left, many fans are buzzing about the potential for a dramatic finish. The lead may change hands several times, and the strategic choices made by players will be under scrutiny more than ever.

This final round promises to be a thrilling conclusion. Will Hodges maintain his lead, or will one of the chasing pack snatch victory from the jaws of the leader? Tune in to find out.

What’s your prediction for who will take home the trophy in the final round?