Fitzpatrick keeps Heritage lead despite Scheffler surge
Fitzpatrick won the US Open in 2022
- Published
RBC Heritage, third round
-17 M Fitzpatrick (Eng); -14 S Scheffler (US); -13 B Harman (US), S-Woo Kim (Kor), S Straka (Aut)
Selected others: -12 L Aberg (Swe), P Cantlay (US); -11 V Hovland (Nor); -10 R Fowler (US); -9 C Morikawa (US); -8 R MacIntyre (Sco); -7 S Lowry (Ire)
England's Matt Fitzpatrick hit an impressive third-round 68 to give himself a three-shot lead over Scottie Scheffler going into the final round of the RBC Heritage in South Carolina.
The former US Open champion started his round nervously, with two bogeys in his first two holes.
Fitzpatrick was back on par by the 12th hole, while birdies on the 12th and 14th before a chip-in eagle on the 15th gave him a 68 for the day.
"It's always satisfying when you can turn it around, particularly if you have not played that well and you are struggling a little bit and not scoring as well as you want," the 2023 champion said.
"Obviously it would have been nicer to go out with nine birdies and be plenty clear, but to be in the position I am in, it's something that you'd snatch your hand off for.
"Even if I was one clear, it's still such a successful day, and even if I was two behind going into tomorrow you'd snatch your hand off at that on Wednesday night.
"I guess it's all about perspective, and I've obviously put myself in a nice position and hopefully I can kick on."
Despite his healthy lead, Fitzpatrick will be looking over his shoulder at world number one Scheffler following his sensational seven-under-par 64.
The four-time major winner made eight birdies, dropping just one shot with a bogey on the seventh.
Scheffler, who is aiming for his 21st PGA Tour title on Sunday, was full of praise for leader Fitzpatrick after finishing his round.
"I admire him because he works really hard," Scheffler said.
"He's a guy that I see always doing stuff in order to play well. He's a guy that he gets really into his stats. He's a guy that's going to check every single box that he can in order to get out here and play well."
Sepp Straka, Brian Harman and Si-woo Kim make up the rest of the top five on 13 under.
