Sanderson Farms Championship: Will Zalatoris fades as Matthew Wolff impresses
The reigning PGA Tour Rookie of the Year struggled to emulate his second round masterclass.
Will Zalatoris failed to capitalise from shooting a course record at the Sanderson Farms Championship as he faded through 54 holes.
Zalatoris lost ground as five players now tie for second going into the final round at the County Club of Jackson.
The reigning rookie of the year looked visibly frustrated as he constantly put himself out of position off the tee all day.
He signed for a level par third round of 72 leaving him at 13-under and is five shots off leader Sahith Theegala who is at 18-under par.
Four players including Sam Burns (-5) , who was seriously considered for a Ryder Cup pick, are tied for second at 17-under.
Cameron Tringale (-10), Denny McCarthy (-7) and Cameron Young (-5) make up the chasing pack.
Burns said: "I'm really excited, this is why we work so hard to have this opportunity".
Zalatoris looked like he couldn't miss during his second round.
His longest putt for par on his way to a course record second round of 11-under was three feet.
Surround yourself with people like this @WillZalatoris fan. pic.twitter.com/gVF5Mc4UfI
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) October 2, 2021
Yet he was a far cry from that form and looks like he is too far away to really contend unless he does something particularly special.
Zalatoris was sublime on the par-5s during his second round but played them at level par on Saturday.
He is yet to win on the PGA Tour despite tying for second at the last Masters.
The 25-year-old has previously said apart from winning one tournament he doesn't have any goals.
And it looks like he will be made to wait for his maiden PGA Tour victory.
Matthew Wolff (-12) had one of the better rounds of the day, signing for a 7-under 65 in a welcome return to form.
RELATED: WILLETT LEADS BY THREE AT ALFRED DUNHILL LINKS
Unbelievable.
This lip-out will leave your head spinning. pic.twitter.com/mTPTcMIWLF— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) October 2, 2021
Theegala resembled an escape artist constantly making tricky par putts as he went bogey free for 18 holes.
His three rounds in the 60s give him a great shot at taking the win, although Burns' game has looked solid through 54 holes.
He has only dropped one shot in the championship in an extremely impressive tournament.
Notable players who missed the cut halfway include Gary Woodland, Sergio Garcia, Rory Sabbatini and Keegan Bradley.
Surround yourself with people like this @WillZalatoris fan. pic.twitter.com/gVF5Mc4UfI
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) October 2, 2021
NOW WATCH: PIERS MORGAN HITS DREADFUL TEE SHOT AT ST ANDREWS
Ben joined the GolfMagic team in September 2021, initially as a content executive.
These days, he assumes the position of content manager.
