Rain, rain, rain at Oak Hill CC, New York
Canadian Corey Conners was on splendid form in the third round of the 2023 US PGA Championship at Oak Hill CC, New York, USA. The 31-year old tournament leader from Listowel was simply rolling out steady pars on the first nine. He then birdied the 8th and 15th holes to get to an impressive 7-under par. Now that is a pretty awesome score during a championship hindered by torrential downpours of rain on both Friday and Saturday. Other seasoned players seemed to be notching-up bogeys everywhere. Alas, disaster then struck for Conners on the par-4 16th.
His drive found the bunker which is usually no great trouble for the best players in the world. The lie of the ball was good, however, Conners topped his second shot and the ball disappeared into the surrounds of the bunker. He had to take a penalty drop and then made a double-bogey six to eventually card a 5-under par and lose his leading role at Oak Hill CC, New York.
American Brooks Koepka was ready and waiting to step into this honorable position. The 33-year old from Florida, who is a four times Major winner, opened the championship with rounds of 72, 66 and another delightful 66 on Saturday to close round three on 6-under par and take the lead.
By the way, if you’re wondering who did lead the 2023 US PGA Championship on day one. Here is the story. A frosty start caused nearly a 2-hour delay to the start times and darkness meant that day one play was carried forward to Friday. American Bryson DeChambeau was leader in the clubhouse with a super score of 4-under par 66. However, fellow-American Eric Cole was still out on the course with a magical round of 5-under par with four holes to play when lack of light stopped play.
Alas for 34-year old Cole, who teed-off at the 10th hole, his return to Oak Hill CC on Friday saw him shoot a double-bogey on his 6th hole to score a rather disappointing 3-under par 67. So Bryson DeChambeau led the field on day one in Rochester, New York and he was delighted.
Back to today
Interestingly, even on the final day, DeChambeau is still in with a chance as he is in 4th spot on his own at 3-under par. The 46-year old PGA Club Professional Michael Block is also on an amazing high. He is smiling from ear to ear after making the cut with scores of 70 and 70. On Saturday he carded another round of 70. The American is now in a share of 8th spot with Justin Suh on level par.
So rather surprisingly American Brooks Koepka is the leader at Oak Hill CC on a score of 6-under par with Corey Conners (Canada) and Norway’s Viktor Hovland hot on his heels in joint second on 5-under.
It is sure to be a nail-biting day as England’s Justin Rose as well as the number two player in the Official World Golf Ranking, American Scottie Scheffler, are just one shot further behind. Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy also has a small chance of victory. He lies in 7th spot with a score of 1-under par.
After a few appallingly wet days, the weather forecast looks very promising for New York. So please do enjoy the golf today!
Wendy Hoad
Editor
MAIN PHOTOGRAPH: Canadian Corey Conners is pipped at the post by Brooks Koepka in day three of the 2023 US PGA Championship at Oak Hill CC, New York. CENTRE: Rain, rain, rain!