Rahm, Fowler, Woodland chase first major title at PGA
ST LOUIS: Jon Rahm is a prodigy. Rickie Fowler used to be one before eight top-five major finishes without a win. And Gary Woodland has never managed a top-10 major result.
But this unlikely trio f ind themselves in the hunt for their first major title in Sunday’s final round of the 100th PGA Championship at Bellerive Country Club.
Two- time reigning US Open champion Brooks Koepka leads on 12-under par 198 with 2013 Masters winner Adam Scott of Australia two strokes back and Fowler, Rahm and Woodland another shot adrift.
“I dare to dream in the fact of accomplishing one of my goals this year, which is having a chance on a Sunday in a major,” Rahm said.
The 23- year- old Spaniard, ranked seventh in the world, was fourth in this year’s Masters and has already won two US PGA and three European Tour titles, most recently the Spanish Open.
“It’s a good feeling. I’ve worked on changing some things and it’s great to see it’s peaking at the right time and I’m having a chance on Sunday to contend for my first major,” Rahm said.
“It’s hard to shoot a low score on a Sunday in a major... you still need to hit fairways, and you still need to make the putts.”
He doesn’t have to tell Fowler twice. The 29-year- old American has suffered plenty of near misses, including a runner-up finish at this year’s Masters.
Ten years ago, he was the world amateur number one with a “can’t miss” tag. Then came 2014, when he finished in the top five in all four majors but became the first to do that and go winless.
Fowler has top-five finishes in three of the past six majors, and some well- learned experience from them.
“It’s just how comfortable and how confident I’ll feel tomorrow versus maybe when you look at three, four, five years ago,” Fowler said.
“It will be fun. I’m looking forward to it. It’s going to take a solid round of golf from whoever’s going to win because there are a lot of guys. It’s not going to be given to anyone.”
Fowler was unhappy at a thirdround 69, one- under par, but pleased to be where he’s at with a so-so showing.
“We’re in a good spot and have a chance to win,” he said. “I’m happy with where we’re at, not having played our best.” — AFP