WILMINGTON, Del. — Patrick Cantlay Xander SchauffeleThey went from being colleagues to close friends, and now seem to be inseparable at the PGA Tour. So the final round of BMW Championship might feel like one their many practice rounds.
Except for the stakes.
Cantlay shot from 106 yards on the fairway of the par-5 14th hole and finished 6-under 65 despite missing two 3-foot par putts. This gave him a one shot lead over Schauffele. Scott StallingsSunday will be the second FedEx Cup playoff.
Schauffele was able to score an eagle on the first hole of the round, with a 5 foot approach to the par-5 third hole. He also played bogey free for a 67.
Sunday will mark their sixth appearance in eight FedEx Cup playoff events. This will also be their second appearance in the final group this year. Schauffele was leading by one at the Travelers Championship, shooting 68 to win. Cantlay shot 76. They were also partners in the Zurich Classic.
The practice round is usually match play of some sort, winner-takes-all. This could decide who goes to the Tour Championship with the No. FedEx Cup, the No. 1 seed, starts the chase with a two-shot lead. This depends on Scotti Scheffler (Masters champion), who joined the chase. Adam ScottTwo shots left.
Cantlay, who was 12-under-201, is trying for the first time to win the BMW Championship back-to-back since it was part of FedEx Cup playoffs 2007.
He knows from personal experience how important it is to be a top-seed at the Tour Championship. He won the playoff in the BMW Championship at Caves Valley last year and was two shots ahead at the FedEx Cup Finale. He ended up winning by one shot to win the $18million prize.
Cantlay, at 12-under 201, stated that his head was not in the right place. I believe that the best way for you to handle the playoff system is to concentrate on winning the tournament and not worrying about the points. So thats exactly what Im going do.
But theres more. This isnt a two-man show on Wilmington Country Clubs south course. The greens are fast and sun-baked.
Scott, who was trying to climb into the top 30 for the Tour Championship, did a great job with a 69. He was 2 shots behind. He started the postseason as No. He is currently 77 and tied for fifth last week to make it to the BMW.
Scheffler, the No. 2 golfer in the world, was also 2 back. 1 answered consecutive bogeys with a 4-foot birdie, for a 68.
Collin Morikawa(65) Aaron Wise(67) This made it seven players separated by three shots.
Rory McIlroyHe started slowly and couldnt manage a 70. He was 5 shots behind the leader. Jordan SpiethHe started the weekend 1 shot behind and missed par putts at 3 feet and 2 foot. His round of 74 was a complete disaster, and he was out of contention.
Cantlay & Schauffele became fast friends during the Presidents Cup at Royal Melbourne 2019. They now share holidays and practice rounds together. Although its quite different with a scorecard in your hand, the comfort level is evident.
I know how my opponent hits the ball, and he knows how mine does. It is kind of an extra information that we can use, if he flushes one or I flush one. Schauffele said, I like to use that as a benefit, and we are good friends, so it is a very easygoing pairing even though Im trying to beat him.
This round should be given to Cantlay.
Schauffele was leading Cantlay when he missed a 3-foot par-putt — he also missed one from a bit closer on the 17th. After matching two-putt birdies at the 12th, Cantlay hit a birdie putt of 8 feet on 13th and spun back a lob wedge to score eagle at 14th.
He was now in the lead. After a shock miss for par, he completed his lob ledge with another lob ledge. He expertly used a backstop to roll down to 8 feet for birdie.
Delaware had never hosted a PGA Tour tournament, so this event is a new one for everyone. Cantlay was carrying a wedge, and he was walking to every green to find the best play. It worked for his eagle on the 14th, and for his birdie on the 18th.
Sunday is also a crucial day for Stallings. He was No. He is now at 46 in the standings.
That was my No. Stallings stated, That was my No.
This is his 12th season on the PGA Tour. Its also the closest hes ever been to the Tour Championship.