Overview
- Scottie Scheffler shot a 3-under 67 on Thursday to join a seven-way tie for the lead with Aldrich Potgieter, Min Woo Lee, Ryo Hisatsune, Stephan Jaeger, Alex Smalley and Martin Kaymer.
- Rory McIlroy closed with four straight bogeys for a 4-over 74 and summed up his day with a one-word expletive, citing ongoing issues driving the ball straight.
- Bryson DeChambeau struggled to a 6-over 76 after failing to make a birdie until his final hole, a sharp drop from his runner-up finishes the past two years.
- Firm, tiered greens, thick rough and gusty winds kept scores in check, with Xander Schauffele at 68 and Jordan Spieth, Jon Rahm and Brooks Koepka posting 69.
- Garrick Higgo received a two-shot penalty for arriving seconds late to his tee time and still carded 69, highlighting strict rule enforcement that now includes a formal player conduct code at the majors.