Predicting a winner at the major in Newtown Square is proving to be a challenge. With 21 players within four strokes of each other heading into the final round, two German golfers are making their presence felt at the top.
Golf professional Matti Schmid has propelled himself into contention with an outstanding performance on the third day of the PGA Championship. At the tournament near Philadelphia, the 28-year-old completed the third round on the Aronimink Golf Club course on Saturday afternoon (local time) with a score of just 65, moving up 28 places to a tie for second.
Initially, Martin Kaymer and Stephan Jäger led the German charge on Thursday at the second major of the year. However, heading into the final day, Schmid is now the one causing a stir: with a total score of 206 (69+72+65), he is just two strokes behind American Alex Smalley, who holds the lead.
Both players will head into the final round on Sunday (starting at 21:35/Sky) together. «We’re buddies, we know each other well, that will help us,» said Smalley, who, like Schmid, is still seeking his first PGA Tour victory. Schmid commented, «I’m certainly not the center of attention» within the duo. He believes in his chances of winning: «I just need to focus on myself. Hopefully, that will lead to a good round. Then we’ll see.»
Kaymer Surges Back Up the Standings — Jäger Slips
Kaymer is also in a strong position. With a remarkable round, the 41-year-old from Mettmann climbed back to eleventh place. With a total of 208 strokes (67+75+66), the 2010 champion still has an outside chance of winning the title. Jäger (Munich), on the other hand, dropped to 31st place after two strong rounds with a score of 210 (67+70+73).
Schmid and Kaymer will face stiff competition on Sunday. Behind Smalley, Canadian Nick Taylor and strong European players Jon Rahm (Spain), Aaron Rai (England), and Ludvig Aberg (Sweden) are tied with Schmid in second place. Masters champion Rory McIlroy also continued his charge. The world number two from Northern Ireland is now just three strokes behind Smalley and has his sights set on another major victory.