Smalley Leads McIlroy, Rahm, Rose & Rai on 'Moving Day
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The Bunched-Up Leaderboard: What it Means for Golf’s Elite
The US PGA Championship has a reputation for producing nail-biting finishes. Saturday’s third round did nothing to dispel that notion, with 14 players holding at least a share of the lead and 30 within five shots of surprise leader Alex Smalley.
For golf enthusiasts, this unpredictability is what makes majors so compelling – the drama, the occasional Cinderella story, and the chance for redemption. Smalley, who has never held a 54-hole lead in his PGA Tour career, is certainly the underdog of the moment. His two-under 68 on Saturday earned him a two-stroke lead heading into Sunday’s final round.
Rory McIlroy’s resurgence is another story to watch. The Northern Irishman was outside the top 100 after Thursday’s opening round but managed to claw his way back into contention with a solid three-under 67 on Friday, putting himself in position for one of the greatest major championship comebacks after 18 holes. If he were to win, it would mark the greatest comeback since Steve Jones won the 1996 US Open after being tied 84th at the end of the first round.
McIlroy will be playing alongside stiff competition in Sunday’s final group, including Jon Rahm and Justin Rose. Both men carded impressive rounds on Saturday to stay within striking distance. Rahm has been chasing redemption since his stint with LIV Golf, while Rose is trying to end his own 107-year wait for an English winner of the US PGA.
Meanwhile, players like Alex Smalley and Ludvig Aberg have flown under the radar all week. Can they continue their momentum or will the pressure of Sunday’s final round prove too much to handle?
The crowded leaderboard means anything can happen on Sunday. Will we see another stunning comeback like McIlroy’s? Or will one of the game’s elite finally break through? With so many players still in contention, golf fans are in for a treat as the US PGA Championship comes down to the wire.
Golf is all about redemption and second chances – a trait reflected in Rahm’s comments about finding the challenge “fun” when done well. The US PGA Championship has become a microcosm of the game itself: unpredictable, thrilling, and full of surprises. With so much still to play for on Sunday, golf fans would be wise to buckle up and enjoy the ride.
As the final group tees off in what promises to be an electrifying climax to the tournament, one thing is clear: this US PGA Championship will go down as a classic – and for all the right reasons.
Reader Views
- MRMike R. · shop technician
What's got me stumped is how all these guys are still within striking distance after 54 holes. I mean, we've seen McIlroy come from way back before, but this field is ridiculously bunched up. I'm not convinced Smalley can hold on – he's never led at the 54-hole mark, and pressure's gonna get to him. But what about Ludvig Aberg? He's flying under the radar like we all expected, but his putter needs to heat up if he wants a shot Sunday. My two cents: whoever starts strong will likely take it home – unless of course someone pulls off another major miracle comeback like McIlroy's.
- SLSara L. · daily commuter
The unpredictable nature of majors is what makes them so thrilling, but let's not forget the logistics that often get overlooked in the excitement - course conditions and fatigue can play a huge role on a crowded leaderboard like this one. Sunday's final round will likely be played with more wind and possibly cooler temperatures, which could impact the game plans of these golfers. I'd love to see how the field adjusts and who adapts best to the changing conditions.
- TGThe Garage Desk · editorial
The 2024 US PGA Championship is turning into a real barnburner. But let's not get carried away - we've seen these crowded leaderboards before, and they often fizzle out on Sunday afternoon. For Smalley to hold off the likes of McIlroy and Rahm will require more than just grit; he needs to keep his nerves in check and make some savvy strategic decisions about when to push for birdies and when to play it safe. With 30 players within five shots, it's anyone's game - but I'm not convinced Smalley has what it takes to outlast the pressure of a major leaderboard.