The battle for supremacy at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am is about to reach its climax, and the outcome will be heavily influenced by the fickle nature of Mother Nature!
In the third round, players faced a stark contrast in conditions. Those who teed off early enjoyed calmer winds, while the final groups braved gusts of up to 23 mph. Take Akshay Bhatia, for instance; he started with a flurry of birdies but saw his lead slip as the conditions deteriorated.
Collin Morikawa, on the other hand, seized the moment in the calmer conditions, firing an impressive 10-under 62. But here's where it gets controversial... will he be able to maintain this form in the expected worsening weather?
The PGA TOUR has taken proactive measures, moving tee times forward to accommodate the forecast. Early predictions suggest winds of 6-12 mph, with a chance of rain, but by noon, things are expected to get more challenging.
The wind and temperature will be key factors, and the course could transform from under par to even par or even over par for the late wave.
And this is the part most people miss: the wave advantage. Those playing in the morning will face milder winds, while the afternoon wave could be battling gusts of up to 30 mph.
When it comes to extreme wind conditions, Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, and Shane Lowry have consistently performed well. Lowry, in particular, is a strong contender for a top-10 finish. He finished as runner-up last season and has the game suited for these challenging conditions.
But what about the temperature? With conditions projected in the mid-50s, players like Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy could thrive.
Now, let's talk about the favorites. Collin Morikawa, despite his impressive ball-striking, has struggled on the greens recently. However, if he can replicate his Round 3 performance, he has a real chance of winning.
And don't forget about Russell Henley! He's ranked highly in Strokes Gained: Total in windy conditions and could be a dark horse in the three-ball market.
So, who will emerge victorious? Will Morikawa hold his nerve in the tough conditions? Or will someone else seize the opportunity?
The final round promises to be an exciting battle, and with the weather playing a pivotal role, anything can happen!
Who do you think will take the title? Let's discuss in the comments and see if we can predict the outcome!
