LA QUINTA (Cali). Jon Rahm has not met Davis Thompson, a rookie on the PGA Tour. However, they should get to know one another a bit more Sunday.
This is because Thompson and Rahm will be fighting for the American Express title at the American Express.
Both the veteran and rookie played strong golf in round three of desert’s 64th annual event. They are currently tied for first place at 23-under 193 going into Sunday’s final round at PGA West’s Pete Dye Stadium Course. They have a four shot advantage over J.T. Poston will join Rahm, Thompson and Christiaan Benzuidenhout in the final trio.
Thompson, who was leading at the end the first and second rounds fell behind Rahm but rallied to score a 67 on Stadium Course. Rahm, who was playing on the same course earlier in the week, shot a 65. This is his highest round of this week, after opening with consecutive 64s. Poston shot 66 at the Stadium Course, while Bezuidenhout soared to a 62 at La Quinta Country Club.
“I’m excited for Jon to play with me. Thompson stated that he is a world-class player after completing his round. Thompson missed two birdie putsts on the 17th hole and 18th hole, which could have earned him the lead. He’s very talented. However, I am excited about the challenge and looking forward to tomorrow.”
Rahm may not yet have met Thompson, but Rahm still admires Thompson’s game. Rahm has eagled five times in the tournament, breaking the PGA Tour record.
Rahm stated, “He’s doing an amazing job and he plays incredible golf and showing it.” When people ask me about the differences between the best players in the world and others skill-wise, I always tell them that it isn’t that much. It’s not that huge. A few seconds here and there can make all the difference. It’s not as simple as a one-stroke difference in scoring average over the entire year. This is usually the difference.
Rahm was the chaser for the first two days. Thompson entered the third round at 18 under and Rahm at 16. Rahm managed to turn the tables on Saturday by teeing off over an hour ahead Thompson. A 17-foot eagle putt was made just short of the green on the par-5 5th hole, following birdies at the third & fourth holes. Rahm was ahead by Thompson with a front-nine score of 6-under 30 at the eighth hole and nineth holes. He also had a total of 22-under.
Rahm extended his lead to three shots on the back nine, with birdies at 10th and 12th. Rahm then slowed down and played six holes in one over, despite the fact that he felt the putts were solid.
“Thirteen great roll, 14 great rolls. 15 great roll, 16 misread, 17 misread. Rahm retorted, “That’s it.” “Very simple. They were all good strokes. You’ll be able to tell me that there were putts in the past that weren’t as good and didn’t go in the right place.
Thompson does not back down
After two eagles on Thursday, Thompson’s round did not feature an eagle. After a birdie at the 12th hole, Thompson managed four birdies on his front nine. He was tied for first with Rahm. Thompson, however, was unable to maintain the momentum on the closing holes. He made one birdie, and Rahm one hour earlier.
“I was very proud of how patient I was. Thompson stated that Thompson didn’t force Thompson to do anything. Thompson said that he made a poor bogey on 14, a three-putt from 37ft, but returned and birdied 16. It was a great way to end.”
Poston’s round at La Quinta was traditionally the easiest. It featured one eagle, six birdies, and two bogeys. Poston is now four behind the leader despite having 23 birdies and one Eagle on the week.
Bezuidenhout had 10 birdies and none bogeys at La Quinta. He also made birdies on four holes of his last six.
The third round saw no one hold a share of first place, but names such as Scottie Scheffler and Xander Schauffele, Jason Day and Sam Burns all made runs up to the top before being relegated late in the day.
Harry Higgs shot a 10-under-62 at Nicklaus Tournament Course, but is tied for fifth at 18, five shots behind the leaders. Higgs is tied for fifth with Tom Kim who shot 67 at the Stadium Course; Burns who shot 64 on Nicklaus Course and Taylor Montgomery who shot 65 at the Stadium Course.
Thompson may be ahead of Rahm in the final round. Rahm has eight PGA Tour victories, including a U.S. Open championship in 2021 and an American Express title 2018. Rahm may not be ready to assume the title of favorite.
Rahm stated, “Many people could have said that Jordan Spieth won the first time, the first win I won, and the first time a lot people won,” Rahm added. Do you have an advantage? I don’t know. I don’t know. I just have the experience of being there if it comes down to the wire. He’s not a slouch though, evidently.”
Thompson, for his part, says that there won’t any pressure Sunday against the No. The No. 4 player on the PGA Tour, who was crowned champion two weeks ago, is Thompson.
“It’s great. Thompson, 23, said that he feels like he doesn’t have any to lose in his rookie year. “Just kinda freewheel it.”
